27 May 2010 20:17

Shmatko welcomes Minsk proposal on Beltrangaz

LAPPEENRANTA. May 27 (Interfax) - Belarus's willingness to swap the controlling stake in Beltransgaz for Russian gas prices is a positive signal, Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko said, adding that a 51% stake "will not solve problems."

"51% does not resolve the core of the problem," Shmatko told journalists.

The Belarusian proposal is "a good positive signal," he said.