Russia expects EU to show balanced approach to GazpromSeptember 12, 2012 - 20:56 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia expects the European Union to prioritize mutual interests while investigating the suspected violations of anti-monopoly rules by the gas giant Gazprom, a Deputy Foreign Minister said on Wednesday, Sept 12. According to RIA Novosti, Alexander Grushko reiterated Moscow’s concerns about the probe, which can affect Russia-EU energy cooperation, “the basis of our economic ties in the past ten years.” “Gas purchases require a very balanced approach,” he said. Last week the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, launched a probe into three suspected violations of anti-monopoly regulations by Russia’s gas giant in Central and Eastern Europe, which could affect Gazprom’s $60 billion gas export business in Europe. Gazprom, which considers the probe an effort by the EC to pressure Russia into lowering gas prices, could face a fine of up to ten percent of its annual revenue - about ten billion euro - if the suspected violations are proved. In a move to protect the gas giant, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Tuesday expanding the government’s ability to assist major Russian companies that face investigations abroad. 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 | Greece says ready to help as Armenia fights flooding consequences Greece is ready to assist Armenia in combatting the consequences of deadly floods in the country’s north. “He will leave”: Protest leader no longer demands meeting with Pashinyan Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan no longer demands a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Lemkin Institute petition seeks release of Armenians in Azerbaijan The Lemkin Institute is deeply concerned about the continued illegal detention of political prisoners from Karabakh in Azerbaijan. Armenian Catholicos calls for national unity against threats Karekin II issued a message on Republic Day marking the anniversary of the First Armenian Republic. |