Belarus and Poland simplify visas

Belarus and Poland will soon finalize a deal to simplify the issuing of visas to nationals of both countries, Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Ivan Bambiza said on Thursday.
"Negotiations on an agreement between Belarus and Poland on cross-border movement are at their final stage," Bambiza said.
The Belarusian official said the deal, which will simplify visa procedures and facilitate trips by nationals of both countries, was essential for the development of trade and economic cooperation between Belarus and Poland.
Belarus, long ostracized by the European Union over the authoritarian government of President Alexander Lukashenko, has been drawing closer to the West as ties with traditional ally Russia have grown strained.
The former Soviet neighbors were divided over a range of issues in 2009, from the dairy trade to a joint military force to the recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, while Brussels eased sanctions against Belarus, which in turn signed up for the EU's new Eastern Partnership program.
Moscow and Minsk are currently at loggerheads over a pricing structure for oil deliveries to Belarus in 2010, with the failure to reach an agreement giving rise to fears of supply disruptions further west.

15.01.10