Russia Postpones its Threat to Cut Gas Supply to Belarus

The promised cut in gas supplies by Russian gas concern Gazprom to Belarus has been postponed, Interfax reported.

"Today Beltransgaz made the first payment of a significant part of its debt to Gazprom for gas supplied in the first half of 2007. As a result it has been decided to postpone the cut in gas supplies to consumers in the Republic of Belarus. Gazprom expects payment of the debt in full within one week, and timely payment for 100% of current gas supplies," Gazprom said in a statement