The Russian ruble will not be introduced in Belarus on January 1, 2006, executive board chairman of the National Bank of Belarus Petr Prokopovich said today. He noted that this move should be preceded by a number of steps. Specifically, the Constitution Act of the Union State, as well as a series of agreements that will provide for equality of rights of citizens and economic entities of Belarus and Russia, should be finalized and adopted.

      Additionally, agreements meant to settle healthcare, social, pension, taxation and freedom of movement issues with regard to people in the Union State are to be worked out as well.

      As reported earlier, it had been initially planned to introduce the Russian ruble in Belarus as the only legitimate means of payment from January 1, 2005, and later on the possibility of making the move from January 1, 2006, was looked into.