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EC obligations regarding other firms getting access to Nord Stream 2 not binding — source

MOSCOW, July 5. /TASS/. Requirements of the European Commission (EC) to grant access to Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to other Russian companies in addition to Gazprom, which are contained in a draft mandate for talks with Russia, are not legally binding, a source in the EC told TASS on Wednesday.

"The mandate shall lead to talks on a voluntary basis; there is nothing legally binding. However, the access of third parties is a very important element for us," the source said.

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Putin: Nord Stream-2 should promote energy market development

The draft mandate does not contain any quantity parameters of gas deliveries by independent companies over the Nord Stream 2, he added.

Implementation of the Nord Stream 2 project will not require any special regime, Chief Executive Officer of Russia’s Gazprom Alexei Miller said earlier.

The Nord Stream 2 pipeline is expected to come into service at the end of 2019. The pipeline is set to run from the Russian coast along the Baltic Sea bed to the German shore. Each of the pipeline’s two stretches will have a capacity of 27.5 bln cubic meters. The new pipeline will double the capacity of the first stretch and will basically follow its route.

Swiss Nord Stream 2 AG was established for the planning, construction and operation of the gas pipeline, which now belongs entirely to Gazprom.

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At least 16 Syrian troops killed in terrorists’ ambush in east Syria — TV

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Polish premier refuses to hand over his country’s Patriot systems to Ukraine

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Lavrov says Borrell let it slip that Europe ‘fighting against Russia’

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Situation in Iran’s Isfahan stabilizes after drone attack — media

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Founder of neo-Nazi cell in Crimea flees to Georgia — source

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US 'not forgetting' to help itself with aid to Ukraine — Kremlin

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Vehicles, equipment participating in Victory Day parade depart for Moscow — ministry

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Russian military closely monitors all Ukrainian 'novelties' — Kremlin on UAVs

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Ukraine convicts 12th world chess champion for recognizing Donetsk, Lugansk republics

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Kiev ordered mandatory evacuation from Kharkov Region to accommodate mercenaries

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Romania tries to cancel Russian culture by banning films — diplomat

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Putin signs law on holding World Friendship Games

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Yerevan's refusal to delimit borders with Baku to escalate regional tensions — PM

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Israel assesses effectiveness, consequences of strike on Iran — media

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Tehran’s two major airports cancel international flights — Mehr

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CIA chief says Ukraine could lose by end of this year — Politico

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Argentina’s NATO partnership bid to let US tighten its grip — expert

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Russian instructors help train over 10,000 Central African troops — CAR president

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Kremlin condemns 'illegal' seizure of villa from Russian businessman

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Crimea, Donbass to forever remain within Russia, Slovak PM tells national parliament

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Ukrainian president admits Russian troops’ advancement

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Israeli Air Force attacks airfield in southern Syria during strike on Iran

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Iran intends to bolster military cooperation with Russia — envoy to Moscow

Kazem Jalali noted that Iran had demonstrated its ability to ensure security and nudge the region toward a de-escalation

Two pilots of jet that crashed in southern Russia hospitalized

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Russia, Iran maintain contacts on nuclear security - deputy foreign minister

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Iran says drones downed over Isfahan launched from country's territory

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Iran has no plans to immediately retaliate to attack on its soil — agency

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Lavrov speaks of West’s agony, Russia’s approach to any future talks with Kiev

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North Korean leader arrives at public event in Aurus luxury car gifted by Putin

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