4 Jun 2010 11:52

Belarus may join Customs Union July 1 with exemptions

MOSCOW. June 4 (Interfax) - Belarus may become a member of the Customs Union as of July 1, but with a number of exemptions, Belarusian Economics Minister Mykola Snopkov told reporters during a joint session involving his ministry and the Russian Economic Development Ministry on Friday in Moscow.

"The meeting between President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Shuvalov confirmed the thesis that the sides intend to settle disputed issues and enter into a customs space by July 1," Snopkov said.

Asked if Belarus would by that date ratify the Customs Codex, Snopkov said, "As economics minister, assuming the economic necessity of this process, I would suppose yes."