Minsk, Moscow closer to gas deal

MOSCOW, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- Though a few minor details are left unsettled, Russian energy company Gazprom said it could reach a deal with Belarus as early as November.

Alexei Miller, the top executive at Gazprom, welcomed Belarusian Energy Minister Alexander Ozerts and other high-ranking officials to his Moscow office to discuss gas transits to Belarus.

A new contract for Belarus, Gazprom said, hinges on a deal that links the terms to the purchase and sale agreement for a 50 percent stake in Beltransgaz.

Miller said the negotiations were "very progressive" and "on the right track." While there were a few issues left to be settled, he said, a deal would likely emerge soon.

"It is absolutely clear now that the final agreements will be reached in the nearest future," he said in a statement. "I am sure we will be ready to sign all the necessary documents as early as in November."

A gas discount from Russia would expire this year, after which natural gas prices could be pegged to market conditions.

Minsk is facing pressure from the European Union over its response to unrest following last year's presidential elections. The country's president in June threatened to close the borders, meanwhile, if there was a financial emergency.

The current deal expires Dec. 31.