20 January, Moscow /Eduard Pivovar - BELTA/. Russia is ready to provide state support to Belarus on gas supply issues if necessary. This was stated by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin following negotiations held today in Moscow with the head of the Belarusian government, Mikhail Myasnikovich, BELTA correspondent reports. "We have agreed that, if required, the Russian side is ready to provide state support to Belarus on gas supply issues, so that these supplies are not burdensome for Belarus," said Vladimir Putin. At the same time, he reaffirmed the Russian side's position that gas supplies to Belarus this year will be carried out in accordance with the current contract. "At the same time, we are ready to start negotiations now on the terms of supply of Russian gas to Belarus from 2012," said the Russian Prime Minister. The Prime Minister of Belarus noted that during the negotiations, the formula for gas settlement in 2012 was practically determined. "There is a corresponding formula, there is a roadmap towards equal-income prices," he said. Mikhail Myasnikovich also expressed hope that the Russian side's position will ensure the competitiveness of the Belarusian economy.-0-

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