Stalemate continues in gas negotiations

MOSCOW, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Gas talks between Gazprom and Belarus aren't expected to proceed until a top Belarusian official travels to Moscow, the Russian energy monopoly said.

An executive at Beltransgaz, a Belarusian government-owned pipeline company, said Vladimir Semashko was ready to fly to Moscow Saturday, RIA Novosti said.

Gazprom has said the state-controlled Russian natural gas monopoly will cut off supplies to Belarus Jan. 1 if a new agreement is not signed by then. Gazprom proposed Belarus pay $75 per 1,000 cubic meters in cash, plus $30 in shares of Beltransgaz.

Belarusian officials countered Gazprom's move was provocative, saying the country would pay the 2006 price of $46.68 per 1,000 cubic meters until a new contract is signed.

Meanwhile, both sides have accused each other of blackmail in the matter of natural gas pricing.