Minsk creates positive information environment for oil and gas settlement with Kremlin

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich said that reports about preliminary approval of the cheaper gas price for Belarus were false. Apparently, as Russia delays the final decision, Belarus has exhausted arguments and patience in negotiations with Russia over oil supplies to Belarus and over reduced gas price. The Belarusian government is attempting to create a positive information background in order to impose its conditions onto the Kremlin in oil and gas tension. The president has publicly supported the act of a representative from the Belarusian delegation, who carried the Russian flag during the Paralympics 2016 opening in Rio de Janeiro, which caused a public outcry in Russian society and joyful comments by Russian officials. The Belarusian authorities are also taking decisive and tough measures to counter the opposition activity, which could be negatively perceived in Russia. In all likelihood, Minsk is counting on political loyalty demonstrations and on creating a positive image of the Belarusian authorities in Russian society in order to settle the long-running dispute over oil and gas supplies.