The Belarusian delegation that came to Moscow...

Irina Yesipova, an aide to Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko, said the talks were not finished and could continue remotely.

"The representatives of the Belarusian delegation intend to fly to Minsk for consultations to clarify details. It"s possible the negotiations will be remote in nature for some time," Yesipova said.

"There is a significant rapprochement between the parties on a number of issues," she added.

A source in the Belarusian delegation earlier told the Belarusian state news agency Belta that the sides had agreed to take a break from discussions to allow for "further consultations."

The source blamed the Russian position for the impasse.

"Belarusian negotiators were ready for a reasonable compromise, but Russia"s side stuck to its previous position, which greatly complicated the negotiations," he was quoted as saying.

Belarus benefited from significant discounts on Russian oil imports in 2009, and is again seeking preferential

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