Moscow presents South Stream gas pipeline in Brussels May 25May 25, 2011 - 10:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko has said that Moscow wants the European Union to view the proposed South Stream natural gas pipeline as a part of its transnational pipelines. He said he will ask European leaders on Wednesday, May 25, in Brussels to consider South Stream a continuation of existing networks so third parties are prohibited from accessing the new pipeline, RIA Novosti reports. "We create large trans-border gas pipelines but can't sign long-term contracts although the Europeans themselves are not against long-term agreements," he said. "We propose that the EU consider South Stream as a continuation of our trans-border trunk gas pipelines and ban the access of third parties to it." About 80 percent of the Russian natural gas bound for European markets transits Ukraine. South Stream is planned to move more than 2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas to Europe per year after it passes through the Turkish waters of the Black Sea. Gas flows are expected by 2015. Top stories Yerevan has dismissed Turkey’s demand to shut down the Armenian nuclear power plant as “inappropriate”. Armenia will loan 2.9 billion drams to Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), according to a draft government decision. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan has “strongly condemned” Armenia’s decision. Kerobyan has said that for the first time in the history of Armenia, the volume of foreign direct investments amounted to about $1 billion. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |