Poland prepared for Russia’s possible cuttoff of gas supplies to Belarus

Poland is prepared for the possibility of Russia’s cuttoff of gas supplies to Belarus which may reduce flows to Europe in the first days of January – confirmed Poland’s deputy foreign minister Pawel Kowal.

He said that in response to the news that the latest round of talks between Russia’s Gazprom and Belarus on 2007 gas prices had ended without agreement. Speaking on Polish Radio Kowal said that Poland is ready for any scenario since it imports gas not only through Belarus but also Ukraine.

Moreover, the country has extra gas supplies stored while gas exploration on its territory covers one-third of the demand. Minister Kowal stressed, however, that if such a situation continues it could become problematic.

He reiterated that the issue of Poland’s energy security is of key importance and that it requires discussion about new procedures on raw materials as part of the European Union – Russia relations.
Source: polskieradio.pl