Belarus pledges support for Yamal-Europe 2 project

Belarus guarantees support for the Yamal-Europe 2 gas pipeline construction project, Alexander Lukashenko said answering questions of Belarusian MPs following his State of the Nation Address on 19 April, BelTA has learnt.

“As for Belarus, we are in favor of the project, because it means new jobs. It is a high-tech project and everything is in place to implement it, including foundations, gas compressor stations, production facilities that were prepared for two pipeline routes. As for Poland, there are conflicting opinions regarding the project there. However, if Russia starts constructing the Yamal-Europe 2 gas pipeline, which I pushed for at all the negotiations, we will provide utmost support and will be actively involved in construction works,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

“We are to operate the gas pipeline. Russia trusts us; they are our brethren, our people. Now Beltransgaz is the biggest taxpayer in Belarus. It is not gone, it is still there. Our people work there, their salary got even bigger… The same will be with the Yamal-Europe 2 project. We will provide everything necessary for the construction project and on top of all, we will get money for it,” the Belarusian leader said.

“We guarantee that under all governments we will take care of and maintain the facilities properly, because it is in our interests. Russians saw it and made this decision. Once they come to terms with the Poles, we will get down to construction,” Alexander Lukashenko said.