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Russia sees interest in gas supplies to Southeast Europe — energy minister

Alexander Novak says such supplies to a great extent depend on decisions of the European Commission

DUSHANBE, June 10. /TASS/. Russia sees interest in its natural gas supplies to the Southeast Europe, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Friday.

"We notice our colleagues are interested in gas deliveries to the Southeast Europe. However, implementation of these projects depends in the first instance on decisions of the European Commission on development of appropriate infrastructure and routes the Europeans need in the first turn," Novak said.

"Nobody will lay a pipeline on the Black Sea bottom without having a guarantee that this infrastructure will be in demand," he added.

Gazprom, Italy’s Edison and Greece’s DEPA signed the Memorandum of Understanding in respect of Russian gas supplies across the Black Sea to Greece and Italy. The purpose of the memorandum is to organize the southern route of Russian gas deliveries to Europe.

Options for gas deliveries to Greece and Italy 

The minister has pointed out Russia's readiness to consider any mutually beneficial options for gas deliveries to Greece and Italy, including through Bulgaria.

"I think we are ready to consider any options if they are mutually beneficial and ensure deliveries and security for European consumers," the Minister said.