Russia is ready to provide state support to Belarus on gas supply issues if necessary - V. Putin

January 20, Moscow / Eduard Pivovar - BELTA/. Russia is ready to provide state support to Belarus on gas supply issues if necessary. This was stated by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin following talks with Belarusian Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich held today in Moscow, according to a BELTA correspondent. "We have agreed that if necessary, the Russian side is ready to provide state support to Belarus on gas supply issues so that these supplies are not burdensome for Belarus," Vladimir Putin said. At the same time, he reaffirmed the Russian side's position that gas supplies to Belarus this year will be carried out in accordance with the current contract. "At the same time, we are ready to start negotiations now on the terms of supply of Russian gas to Belarus from 2012," the Russian Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister of Belarus noted that during the negotiations, the formula for calculating payment for gas in 2012 was practically determined. "There is a corresponding formula, there is a roadmap towards equal-income prices," he said. Mikhail Myasnikovich also expressed hope that the Russian side's position will ensure the competitiveness of the Belarusian economy. -0-