Russian minister cautious about Belarus swap offer.

LAPPEENRANTA, May 28 (Itar-Tass) -- Russian Energy Minister Sergei
Shmatko who is accompanying Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on a visit to
Finland cautiously reacted to the Belarussian offer to swap its gas
pipeline network and a refinery for cheap Russian gas saying only "it is a
good sign that can be discussed."
"The issue can be discussed in the framework of the strategy of the
Common Economic Space" between Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, he told
reporters on Thursday.
Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko offered to Russia a
controlling stake in Beltransgaz operator of the gas transit network
pumping gas to Europe and control over Mozyr refinery. Russia already owns
a 50 percent stake in Beltransgaz.
Shmatko said Beltransgaz has "problems with everyday management" and
Lukashenko's offer will hardly resolve them.
As for Mozyr refinery, "the economic component has to be thoroughly
calculated," he said and specified it is to be clarified "how profitable
it is for Russian companies to refine crude in Belarus."
If Belarus wants to discuss investments, "it shall create normal and
attractive conditions for businessmen" who have to be guaranteed "that
nothing happens to their business, that it is not withdrawn or subject to
additional taxes," Shmatko said.