Russia is ready to provide Belarus with credit support exceeding $6 billion – A. Lukashenko
17/05/20110 views
17 May, Minsk /BELTA/. Russia is ready to provide Belarus with credit support exceeding $6 billion. This was stated today by the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, while receiving a report from Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich, as reported to BELTA by the press service of the Belarusian President.
"I have just spoken with the President of Russia, Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev. He called me. We are in negotiations with the Russian Federation regarding the provision of a stabilisation loan to support the exchange rate of the Belarusian ruble. Based on all negotiations, they are ready to respond urgently, if necessary, and not urgently, if it is not needed by us. This amounts to approximately $3.1 billion, if, of course, we sign a corresponding agreement with them," said Alexander Lukashenko.
According to him, almost everything has been done now, and Belarus can receive this loan.
Furthermore, Alexander Lukashenko noted: "Approximately $3 billion represents future sales of our goods. They are prepared to extend credit to us. In total, this comes to over $6 billion – which is sufficient this year not only for stabilisation but also to maintain substantial gold and foreign exchange reserves."
"However, it must be taken into account that our economy is still growing, with GDP at 112.3% compared to the same period last year – this is high. Of course, a small amount of funds is lacking due to the still high prices for oil, raw materials, components, etc. This is objective. But these are temporary difficulties, and I would like the government and the National Bank not to overexert themselves in terms of borrowed funds, because they will have to be repaid. Therefore, the focus should be on living within our means," emphasised the head of state.
"I spent a week specifically in agricultural organisations, observing what is happening there," said the President. "There is no catastrophe; farms are operating stably and normally. However, regarding what is currently happening in the currency and consumer markets across the country, I would like to hear from you. Only objectively. Everything that is happening. If it is necessary for me to drop everything now and get involved in this issue – fine. I will deal with it. If the situation is currently manageable and you see prospects, then let's not rush, let's proceed calmly in this direction."
"As you know, I am briefed by the group monitoring the currency and consumer markets. I would like to hear from you, first and foremost, about everything that is happening in the currency and consumer markets. I know you met yesterday and supposedly reached another regular decision. But I want to warn you again to provide me with an objective assessment, so that I can finally draw certain conclusions, because there are many speakers, but there should be only one conclusion," demanded Alexander Lukashenko, addressing the Prime Minister.
Mikhail Myasnikovich reported to the President that the country is ensuring sustainable economic development. Compared to the same four months last year, employment has increased by 15.6 thousand people. "That is, people are working, all enterprises are working. "Of course, there are moments when we have to resolve issues manually, but the situation is manageable, coordination is fully ensured, and the government is taking the necessary management decisions," said Mikhail Myasnikovich. -0-
BELTA