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Lavrov: EU third energy package issue can be settled easily, if not politicised

Lavrov noted that Russia opposes retroactive use of the third energy package’s requirements.

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Russia lodges energy adjustments suit with EU

MOSCOW, January 21. /ITAR-TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov believes that the issue of the Third Energy Package, which Russia and the European Union are debating, can be settled easily and pragmatically, if not to politicise it.

“This is a current aspect. If not to politicise it, everything will be settled quite easily and pragmatically,” Lavrov told a news conference devoted to the results of Russian diplomatic work in 2013.

Lavrov noted that Russia opposes retroactive use of the third energy package’s requirements.

“We do not doubt the EU right to introduce these rules. But when these rules spread retroactively on multibillion investment, which were made on the basis of other rules of game, this is violation of the commitments, which are in effect between Russia, the European Union and EU states within the agreement on protection of investment, aimed at not worsening conditions for business,” the Russian minister dwelt on Russia’s position on the issue.

Speaking about attempts to politicise Russia-EU energy relations, Lavrov stated, “We do not feel sorry over this issue, this is the life.

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