Justice ministry says Russia is delaying hearing on oil duties

The Justice Ministry of Belarus has stated it is unacceptable for the CIS Economic Court to delay a hearing of the lawsuit filed by Belarus against Russia over the export duties on petrochemical products. The CIS Economic Court held a preliminary session on May 18-19 when it was expected to set the hearing date. However, a decision was make to continue with preparations and to hold the next preliminary session on June 22. The Justice Ministry says this confronts the procedures of the court. According to the Belarusian lawyers, the court was to set the day of the hearing not later than on May 21.

The Belarusian government filed a suit against Russia's decision to collect export dutied on the petrochemical products. Minsk reckons such duties are illegitimate within the Customs Union of Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan.