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SKorea says Russia gas project might accelerate

The project is to deliver Siberian natural gas to South Korea via the communist North

SEOUL, September 9 (Itar-Tass) —— South Korean President Lee Myung-bak said that a major gas pipeline project involving Russia and the two Koreas could move forward “faster than expected” as it would benefit all sides involved.

“North Korea and Russia are in talks and we are also in talks with Russia. There will be a point where the three parties reach an agreement. I think it will proceed faster than expected,” Lee said on Thursday adding “It will be great if the project materializes.”

The project is to deliver Siberian natural gas to South Korea via the communist North. It gained momentum in recent weeks after North Korean leader Kim Jong-il discussed the project with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev during his trip to Russia last month, Yonhap news agency said.

The two parties said they agreed to set up a joint committee to promote the project.

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