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Sergey Yastrzhemsky, the spokesman of the Russian head of state, told at a briefing in the Kremlin on January, 13 that Boris Yeltsin, President of the Russian Federation, put forward the idea of holding a referendum on the question of uniting Belarus and Russia "in this or that form".

According to ITAR-TASS, Boris Yeltsin’s letter to Belarusian President lays down a complex program of measures aimed at deepening and accelerating the integration of these two countries. "In Boris Yeltsin’s view the Russian-Belarusian Commonwealth has been a success, and this fact should stimulate more radical steps towards a closer integration of the two countries", Sergey Yastrzhemsky said.

According to the Russian Federation President’s opinion, it is necessary to begin the realisation of the program of synchronising economic reforms so as to facilitate the co-operation of the subjects of economy. Alongside this, Boris Yeltsin suggests to unify the customs regulations of the two countries as soon as possible. Russia is prepared to render its assistance in strengthening the customs structures of Belarus. As the Russian leader views it, the revenues of both countries are 5-6 trillion roubles less each year because of defects in these structures. Alongside this, it is necessary to work out joint balances of fuel and energy, and to create – by the end of this year – a unified legal basis, and to work through the unification of civil codes and taxation laws. Among Boris Yeltsin’ proposals are the unification of budgetary systems, the creation of a full-fledged budgetary commonwealth, and, in perspective, the unification of currency systems of the two countries. Also suggested is a gradual creation of trans-national governing bodies of the Commonwealth.

In Boris Yeltsin’s opinion, a referendum would be possible on a concrete form of unification of Belarus and Russia, as the two countries go along the road to their integration. Everything necessary should be done beforehand, in case a decision to unite is taken, to form a united government of the Commonwealth of Belarus and Russia. In addition, Boris Yeltsin suggests to hold a regular session of the Supreme Council of the Commonwealth of Belarus and Russia early this year. Concrete tasks of deeper integration between the two countries could be discussed at this session.

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