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Post by TsarSamuil on Oct 16, 2009 4:36:45 GMT -5
Bulgaria, Italy Prime Minsiters Discuss Joint Energy Projects.
Novinite.com
Energy | October 15, 2009, Thursday
The Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, and his Bulgarian counterpart, Boyko Borisov, held their first Sofia meeting Thursday evening discussing energy projects and politics.
The meeting lasted only 30 minutes, but the talks are to continue later in the evening at the official dinner Borisov is giving in honor of his guest.
The two discussed the additional EUR 300 M in compensations Bulgaria hopes to receive from the EU for the closure of Unit 3 and 4 of the Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) Kozloduy, and Berlusconi vowed his firm support in the matter.
The Italian PM was adamant that the “South Stream” gas line is a project that must be completed, adding it is strategic for both countries and he had discussed it with Russian PM, Vladimir Putin, in Istanbul, during the negotiations between Turkey and Russia about “South Stream” and the “Burgas-Alexandroupolis” oil line.
When asked if Italy can guarantee that “South Stream” will secure Bulgaria's independence of Russian gas supplies, Berlusconi pointed out that it was not Italy's fault gas can be found mostly in Siberia, and explained his country wants to add another gas line that would not go through the Ukraine so that the supplies are not fully dependent on the Ukraine's politics.
Berlusconi also stressed on the importance of diversifying energy supplies and the importance of nuclear energy, but declined answering questions if Italy has had talks about participating in the project for a second NPP in Bulgaria – Belene.
According to Borisov himself, Belene, and especially its financing, will be discussed during the dinner along with further talks about “South Stream.” Other topics at the dinner will include the combat of organized crime, but Berlusconi already mentioned his pride of Italy's progress and noted lately 225 criminal groups have been crushed and 29 of the 100 most wanted arrested.
The Italian PM also spoke about Italy supporting Turkey's EU membership as a country that could become a bridge between Europe and the Arab world.
Berlusconi recalled previous meetings with Borisov, offered high praise for his strength and his ambitious program to change Bulgaria.
Other topics included intensifying trade between the two countries, despite the fact Italy is among the top 3 trade partners of Bulgaria, Berlusconi's previous support for Bulgaria's EU accession, reminders of his friendly relations with former Tsar and PM, Simeon Saxe-Coburg.
The Italian PM joked saying he was nervous about Borisov beating him in the ratings and asked his Bulgarian counterpart to be careful not to pass the 60,5% approval mark – Berlusconi's own.
When a reporter asked a question about the role of women in the life of a politician, Borisov was the first to answer: “Positive. What other can it be?”
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Post by CHORNYVOLK on Oct 18, 2009 18:57:16 GMT -5
Putin lays down law for Clinton
By Pepe Escobar
For the (Western) news cycle, what stood out from United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's visit to Russia this week was an "appeal for cooperation" and a "challenge" for Russia to open up its political system, embrace "diversity" and shelve Cold War thinking.
Who's fooling whom? One might be forgiven to picture a torrent of laughter echoing in the Kremlin's corridors - later washed down with prime Stoli vodka - especially considering Washington's current poor standing in the world, as well as those usual suspects, "Western values"; and the fact that Russian intelligentsia has been pointing out for years that it is Washington hawks who are still in fact mired in the Cold War. Such a pity that
Iran hawk Hillary did not cross paths with chess master Vladimir.
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin had better things to do - he was away in Beijing for a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). In Beijing, Putin bluntly told the US not to intimidate Iran, stressing that more sanctions were "premature"; what was needed was an "agreement". Hillary was thrown by judo expert Putin - and she did not even see it coming. Yet Hillary still had time to spin on American TV that if the "international community" approved more sanctions on Iran, Russia would follow.
That's not what Putin - or Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov - said, or what the leadership in Beijing thinks.
Lavrov, although slightly more diplomatic than Putin, defined sanctions as "counter-productive". That's still essentially Putin - and Beijing - thinking. As for Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, he may have implied no opposition to further sanctions - but as a last resort, and way, way further in the future, not by the imminent December deadline flashing red in Washington's minds.
Lavrov went straight to the point, saying, "We want to resolve all issues relating to Iran's nuclear program, so that that country can make full use of its rights as a non-nuclear member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and of all opportunities arising from this connected with the use of peaceful nuclear energy." This means "all efforts should be employed to maintain the negotiating process" - and not advance a US/European deadline threat enveloped by the usual demonization of Iran campaign.
Putin plays Pipelineistan
As the architect of Russian gas monopoly Gazprom's seduction of China, Putin had more urgent things to do in Beijing than to listen to Hillary carping in Moscow. It was no understatement when he said, "China is a colossal market. The diversification of supplies is a very important direction for Gazprom." More than anyone, Putin knows that the name of the (New Great) Game is Pipelineistan.
Gazprom is bent on full strategic cooperation with Beijing. It's not only about Pipelineistan spreading to China - one pipeline from western Siberia, ready by 2015, another one from eastern Siberia, requiring a lot of Chinese investment. The plan includes the expansion of joint projects in Siberia and even in other countries.
This falls under what is known across Asia as the Asian Energy Security Grid. A key element of the grid is what the Russians have called the Eastern Gas Program - gas Pipelineistan from production to transportation, coordinated by Gazprom, not only to China but to all points across the Asia-Pacific. Another front is the East Siberia-Pacific Ocean oil pipeline.
Much has been made of a Moscow-Beijing rift on pricing (Putin dismissed it, announcing an imminent agreement to set gas prices according to an Asian oil basket). Anyway, that's just a technical issue. On a geopolitical level, the juiciest morsel is that Gazprom is wiling to commit to China almost half of the gas volume it is currently exporting to Western Europe - and this while the Chinese are also finishing a gas pipeline from Turkmenistan. Unlike oil - 4 million barrels a day - China still does not import a lot of natural gas. But it will - because it needs it, and Russia knows it.
It's not all roses, though. Alexander Lukin, director of the Center for East Asian and SCO Studies at Moscow State University for International Relations, warns, "Russia will become nothing more than a raw materials appendage of China - just as it has already become for Europe."
What's the bottom line - for the moment? No further US-led sanctions against Iran is a key consensus of the SCO, which interlocks Russian, Chinese and Iranian interests - Iran is an observer of the SCO. For the SCO, the importance of an Asian Energy Security Grid is paramount. (See New Great Game revisited, Asia Times Online, July 25-26, 2009).
This goes directly against the Pentagon-driven, full spectrum dominance-style, US hegemonic designs on Central Asia and Iran. It was Putin who floated the idea of Iran enriching uranium in Russia in the first place - now a palpable way out for the Iranian nuclear impasse. As for Hillary, she could do worse than drown her own carping in vodka.
Pepe Escobar is the author of Globalistan: How the Globalized World is Dissolving into Liquid War (Nimble Books, 2007) and Red Zone Blues: a snapshot of Baghdad during the surge. His new book, just out, is Obama does Globalistan (Nimble Books, 2009).
He may be reached at pepeasia@yahoo.com.
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Post by TsarSamuil on Oct 19, 2009 5:51:12 GMT -5
I read that the majority of oil n gas exports will go to asia soon in the future. With the linking up of new pipeline systems, Russia could soon export any way it likes, it could stop exporting to europe soon too should it feel like, lets see how europe will respond to such a possibility (won't happen but they will be afraid that it will, i wonder how stupid ukraine will feel then). This is why Russia wins against usa over central asia, usa offers one pipeline, while russia offers them loads, to many markets, and the americans call russia "bullying" central asian republics, lol sour apples those yanks.
Also, did u read that russian weapons inspectors acording to clinton could visit american nuclear missile sites to inspect n count nukes? I have read reactions on us conservative/redneck forums, and oooh boy are they pissed about this ;D ;D ;D
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Post by CHORNYVOLK on Oct 19, 2009 15:22:29 GMT -5
Putin Doctrine also specifies that any attempt to block Russia's economic interests will be dealt with militarily.
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Post by TsarSamuil on Oct 22, 2009 7:29:22 GMT -5
Russia Refutes Claims of Striking off Burgas-Alexandroupolis.
Novinite.com
Energy | October 22, 2009, Thursday
Russia did not strike off the “Burgas-Alexandroupolis” oil pipe line project, the Russian “Transneft” declared Thursday.
The Deputy President of the company, Mihail Barkov, said in an interview for the Bulgarian National Television (BNT) that the oil line through Bulgaria can exist without interfering with the “Samsun Djeihan” one in Turkey.
“Transneft” declined to comment on the publications in the “Russian daily “Novaya Gazeta” about the annulment of the project, but Barkov confirmed “Burgas-Alexandroupolis” is not going to be halted and is progressing according to schedule. He pointed out the Russian oil will be sufficient to fill both pipes – trough Bulgaria and Turkey, adding “Transneft” was expecting the answer of Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, regarding Bulgaria’s participation in the project by November 1.
The future of “Burgas-Alexandroupolis” and the other Russian energy projects is expected to become clearer later Thursday after the conclusion of the negotiations between Bulgaria’s Economy and Energy Minister, Traicho Traikov with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Shmatko and the Russian Deputy PM, Sergey Sobianin.
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Bulgaria, Russia Ministers Confirm Energy Project Proceed as Planned.
Novinite.com
Energy | October 22, 2009, Thursday
Bulgaria’s Minister of Economy and Energy, Traicho Traikov, and his Russian counterpart Sergey Shmatko, discussed in Moscow Thursday the three large-scale joint energy projects.
The Ministers have made no statements but the Russian Energy Ministry has announced that they had concluded that the joint projects – the Belene Nuclear Power Plant, the South Stream gas transit pipeline, and the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline – proceed normally, the Bulgarian National Radio reported.
The meeting of Traikov and Shmatko has been held in preparation of the upcoming session of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation which is to take place in Sofia in December 2009.
After his meeting with Shmatko, Traikov met with the Deputy PM of the Russian Federation, Sergey Sobyanin. Traikov and Sobyanin are Chairs of the above-mentioned bilateral Commission.
The two have discussed the bilateral energy relations, the licenses for production of Russian arms held by Bulgarian firms, the boosting of the bilateral trade, and the application of a social security agreement.
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Post by TsarSamuil on Oct 22, 2009 19:14:03 GMT -5
Russia Tells Bulgaria about Proposed Expansion of South Stream.
Novinite.com
Energy | October 22, 2009, Thursday
The Russian side has supplied Bulgaria with detailed information on its plans for the expansion of the South Stream gas transit pipeline project.
This has been announced by the Russian Ministry of Energy after Thursday’s meeting in Moscow between Bulgaria’s Minister of Energy, Economy, and Tourism, Traicho Traikov, and the Russian Energy Minister, Sergei Shmatko.
“The increasing of the volume of the South Stream pipe is going to solve many of the issues regarding the Russian gas supplies for Bulgaria,” the Russian Minister Shamtko said as quoted by RIA Novosti.
The Russians have suggested that all options for the construction of the South Stream gas pipeline should be considered including the controversial option, which is opposed by many in Bulgaria, of using the existing Bulgarian gas transit network.
Bulgaria and Russia have also set up a working group on the South Stream pipeline which is to draft an agreement between the shareholders, a status of the joint company, and the execution of technical and economic analyses of the project.
The corporate and technical issues of this kind will be discussed by the experts of the two sides on October 28, 2009.
The construction of the Belene Nuclear Power Plant and the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline, the other two large-scale joint energy projects, has also been discussed by Traikov and Shmatko.
Both sides have expressed their interest in the deepening of the bilateral cooperation in the energy sphere.
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Post by TsarSamuil on Nov 10, 2009 15:14:01 GMT -5
Energy
Pahor: South Stream Deal Will Be Signed Next Saturday
07.11.2009
By STA
After it became known that the negotiations between Slovenia and Russia on the South Stream gas pipeline across Slovenia had been successfully concluded, Slovenian PM Borut Pahor said on Saturday that he and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin would sign an agreement on the construction of the pipeline in Moscow on 14 November.
Pahor said the negotiations, which were led by Economy Minister Matej Lahovnik, were very challenging.
He noted that already during the previous government's term the deal was considered to be important for the country, but that the negotiations were then brought to a standstill.
This government continued with the talks, he said, adding that the last open issues included taxes, tax security of the Russian investments, the location of the company and the company's assets.
These issues were finally solved at the last meeting he and the economy minister held with Putin in Gdansk, according to the prime minister.
In the next two weeks, the Slovenian economy will see quite a few milestones, which will also be important for the economic recovery, Pahor said, announcing a two-day visit of a Slovenian business delegation to Libya in the beginning of next week.
He also highlighted a visit by Californian Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger scheduled for the beginning of December. Pahor said California was one of the most developed countries in the world which was interesting especially for its decision to look for alternative energy sources.
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Post by TsarSamuil on Nov 11, 2009 21:31:26 GMT -5
GERB (BG) better get its shit together soon...  ------------------- Russia, Austria to sign cooperation deal on South Stream construction. RussiaToday.com Published 11 November, 2009, 17:58 Russian Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, says that Russia and Austria will soon sign a cooperation agreement on construction of the South Stream gas pipeline. Speaking after talks with the Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann, Putin emphasised that the agreement would be concluded as soon as possible, increasing stability and reliability to Europe’s gas supply with new delivery routes. “We are certain that this new route is of great importance to stable energy supply for European consumers and for raising the reliability of hydrocarbons supplies.” The Russian PM also noted that the push for new supply routes showed Russia was committed to ensuring gas supply, adding that gas disputes in recent years involving transit nations, which have caused cuts in Europe were the result of other nations actions. “No setbacks in gas shipments connected with the emergence of transit countries have ever been, or will ever occur, on the Russian side.” And adding “If our partners pay us for the domestic consumption of gas, they will receive this gas. If they don't pay – they won't receive it. If they don't receive it – then, most likely they will take it from the export gas pipeline. As soon as they start taking it – we will decrease the amount of gas we ship.” Chancellor Faymann added that Austria’s underground gas storage system can hold enough gas to last for three months should shipments be interrupted by transit countries. |
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Post by CHORNYVOLK on Nov 11, 2009 23:31:45 GMT -5
Austria and Slovenia to join South Stream 23:5810/11/2009 MOSCOW. (RIA Novosti economic commentator Oleg Mityayev) - Russia's ambitious plans to diversify its natural gas supply routes to Europe are taking shape. At the end of last week, Sweden and Finland gave the approval required for construction on the Nord Stream gas pipeline to Germany through the Baltic Sea to begin. On November 10, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann discussed a possible agreement on an even bigger gas pipeline project - South Stream. It turns out that in the near future Slovenia is also going to sign an agreement with Russia allowing the pipeline to pass through its territory. The South Stream project will provide Russian gas to South and Central Europe through a pipeline that runs along the bottom of the Black Sea. Russia's Gazprom and the Italian company ENI are the main partners in the project. Russia and Turkey have recently agreed to allow the pipeline's underwater segment to pass through their exclusive economic zones. The segment of the pipeline along the bottom of the Black Sea may now link Russia with Turkey rather than Bulgaria, because of the latter's recent demand that bilateral oil and gas agreements with Russia be reviewed. Beyond the Black Sea, the pipeline will follow two routes - one through Greece and along the bottom of the Adriatic Sea to Italy, and another one through Greece, Serbia and Hungary, to Austria. Russia has signed agreements that will allow the pipeline's construction through the territory of all these countries, with the exception of Austria. The pipeline is scheduled to be commissioned in 2015. It will have a maximum capacity of 63 billion cubic metres of gas per year. An agreement with Austria will be more difficult. Austria has been and remains one of the main supporters of the alternative Nabucco pipeline, by which it hopes to reduce its dependence on Russian gas. However, experts maintain that there may be not enough gas to supply Nabucco, whereas the South Stream project will have access to abundant Russian gas. Under the circumstances, Vienna is unlikely to miss the chance of having two pan-European pipelines on Austrian territory. Problems between Gazprom and the Austrian gas company OMV, two long-standing partners, have made discussions between the two countries more difficult. They have failed to fulfil their agreement on mutual cooperation, but nevertheless are continuing the talks on future cooperation. The summit in Moscow was designed to speed these talks up. Moscow considers the South Stream project to be a strategic aspect of its energy relations with Austria. Moscow believes that Russia and Austria share the view that the project aimed at diversifying gas supply routes will enhance Europe's energy safety and guarantee the reliable transit of Russian gas to European consumers. Experts are already working on an intergovernmental agreement for the joint construction of the pipeline's Austrian leg. Gazprom received Slovenia's support for the project last year, but the talks were also slow, probably because Russian gas supplies to Slovenia are small, and the country also supports the Nabucco project. It transpired that the Slovenian government made a serious move at the last moment. It agreed to the construction of a segment of the pipeline on its territory. Now the pipeline will reach northern Italy through Slovenia, turning that country into a major transit country. Previously, the plan was to supply northern Italy through Austria, which is the location of Europe's biggest gas hub, in Baumgarten. Now Austria will be the site of the terminal for the other branch of the pipeline. Slovenia is ready to sign an intergovernmental agreement on the South Stream project with Russia on November 14, this coming Saturday. Russia has reaffirmed its intention to reach an agreement to build a pipeline with a capacity of more than 10 billion cubic metres of gas per year with Slovenia. Gazprom will set up a 50/50 joint venture with Slovenia to this end. Thus, as a result of the recent talks in Europe, the pipeline will have a third terminal in Austria, in addition to the previously planned terminals in southern and northern Italy. en.rian.ru/analysis/20091110/156787969.html |
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Post by TsarSamuil on Nov 15, 2009 21:42:10 GMT -5
Russia, Slovenia sign final agreement on South Stream pipeline. NOVO-OGARYOVO (Moscow Region), November 14 (RIA Novosti) - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Saturday has signed a final agreement with all respective partners on building and utilizing the South Stream gas pipeline. The intergovernmental document between Russia and Slovenia was earlier signed by the energy ministers of both countries. "South Stream will become an all-European large energy project and we signed today the final agreement with all of the necessary European partners for us to be able to complete this project," Putin told journalists at his Moscow suburban residence. The South Stream gas project, scheduled to be completed by 2015, is part of Russia's efforts to cut dependence on transit nations. It is a rival project to the EU-backed Nabucco, which would bypass Russia. The gas pipeline will run through several European territories, including Slovenia, as well as through the Black and Adriatic seas. The 25 billion-euro ($36.5 bln) project is designed to annually pump 31 billion cubic meters of Central Asian and Russian gas to the Balkans and on to other European countries, bypassing Ukraine, which has frequent disputes with Russia over gas supplies and transits. The pipeline's capacity is expected to be eventually increased to 63 billion cubic meters.  |
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Post by TsarSamuil on Nov 15, 2009 22:07:28 GMT -5
Russia interested in creating underground gas storage in Slovakia.
Interfax.ru
00:10
Russia is interested in creating natural gas storage capacity in Slovakia, Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko told journalists.
The issue was discussed at the session of the Russian-Slovakian intergovernmental commission held in Moscow on Friday.
"Over the course of 2009 the EU has undertaken efforts to create gas storage infrastructure. Slovakia also made a proposal on expanding underground gas storage. That proposal is of interest to us. The Energy Ministry's position is that implementation of such a project is in the interests of the two countries," Shmatko said.
Slovakia's Economic Minister, Lubomir Jahnatek, made a proposal to Russian gas companies to participate in the construction of new underground gas storage facilities in his countries. However, he stressed that no actual agreements in this regard had been made to date.
He said that negotiations had only taken place, adding that the Slovak side has had concerns because gas consumption in Slovakia could increase to 1 billion cubic meters a year.
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Post by TsarSamuil on Nov 26, 2009 11:11:09 GMT -5
EU parliamentarians talk up South Stream.
RussiaToday.com
Published 26 November, 2009, 17:15
Electricite de France is expected to sign an agreement on the South Stream gas pipeline with Gazprom during Prime Minister Putin's visit to Paris. The deal may reflect shifting European opinion on the project.
Attitudes towards building of the South Stream pipeline in Europe look to be changing dramatically. As an example of the new enthusiasm, a group of EU parliamentarians went to Siberia to see where the gas would come from to fill the pipeline.
The Yamalo-Nenets region is home to the deposits which are the present and the future of Russia's gas industry. Despite decreased demand for gas, falling prices and gloomy forecasts, Gazprom is actively tapping new fields to meet future demand, according to Aleksandr Koryakin, Head of the Oil and Gas production unit, Gazprom Dobycha Yamburg.
“We can produce 105 billion cubic meters of gas annually. And we are planning to increase it to 115 billion cubic meters. This will enable us to extract enough gas for South Stream.”
Russia has been trying for years to get the project underway but has met considerable resistance. Bulgaria provided an unpleasant surprise this summer by freezing its involvement with Moscow's project in favor of the European backed Nabucco pipeline which aims to get gas from the Caspian sea states.
But now Sofia is signaling it is ready to make a U-turn, according to Petar Kanev, Advisor to the Bulgarian President.
“All the gas we are getting goes through Ukraine. Last year we suffered immensely when gas stopped flowing in. That's why Bulgaria wants South Stream to become a reality.”
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe also says it's ready to throw its weight behind the project, according to OSCE Parliamentary Chairman, Joao Barroso Soares.
“South Stream is one of the most important projects that is being done. And of course we are in favor of the security of all the main routes of the gas that comes from Siberia.”
At a cost of $9 billion, the mammoth construction task will require the combined efforts of many governments and companies to succeed. Gazprom cannot do it alone. After a difficult start, the participants are beginning to line up, and the potential completion date of 2015 now seems less of a pipe dream.
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Post by TsarSamuil on Dec 3, 2009 13:38:47 GMT -5
Russia President: South Stream Has ‘Glamorous Chance’ for Success.
Novinite.com
Energy | December 3, 2009, Thursday
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev stated Thursday that the project for the construction of the South Stream gas transit pipeline had “glamorous chances” for successful completion.
Medvedev gave a press conference in Rome together with the Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi after the two energy companies Gazprom and ENI signed an agreement allowing the French company EDF to join the South Stream project.
Medvedev said the most important thing about South Stream now was working according to the schedule and meeting the set deadlines.
“The South Stream and North Stream projects are designed for providing a contemporary system of energy security in Europe. If we realize them, I am sure that everybody will be happy,” Russia’s stated.
Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi has made clear his country’s intention for further cooperation with the Russians, and for the completion of the South Stream pipeline.
Both state leaders explained South Stream was not competing with any other similar projects including Nabucco.
South Stream is expected to be launched at the end of 2015; it will have a capacity of up to 63 billion cubic meters, with the investment totaling some EUR 19-25 B.
The French company EDF is supposed to get 10% of the shares for the sea part of the pipeline. The final contract between the three companies, Gazprom, EDF, and ENI, is expected to be signed within three months.
The South Stream pipe will go through the Black Sea from Russia’s Novorossiysk to Bulgaria’s Varna. From the Balkans, the pipe will split in two parts – to Italy and to Austria.
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Post by TsarSamuil on Dec 3, 2009 13:44:31 GMT -5
Gazprom, Eni sign deal to include EDF in South Stream project.
Russian gas monopoly Gazprom and Italy's energy giant Eni signed on Thursday a memo of understanding to include France's EDF into the South Stream gas pipeline project.
The two companies' CEOs signed the paper in the presence of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi following Russian-Italian talks in Rome on Thursday.
"Gazprom and Eni support the French company's joining the project, and we have agreed to finalize the deal as soon as possible," Gazprom spokesman Sergei Kupriyanov said, adding that a trilateral deal would be signed within the next three months.
Gazprom and Eni currently hold equal stakes in South Stream AG, the operator of the gas pipeline, scheduled to be completed by 2015. The project is part of Russia's efforts to cut dependence on transit nations. It is a rival project to the EU-backed Nabucco, which would bypass Russia.
The South Stream project will provide Russian gas to South and Central Europe and will have a maximum capacity of 63 billion cubic meters of gas per year.
Gazprom and EDF signed a memorandum of understanding on November 27. Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller said that EDF would receive 10% of shares in the marine segment of the South Stream and final accords on the issue would be reached jointly with Eni in 2010.
Russia and its European partners have excellent chances of implementing the South Stream project, Medvedev said after the Russian-Italian talks.
"If we implement it, I'm sure everyone will benefit from this and we have excellent chances to carry this through," Medvedev said.
In turn, Berlusconi praised energy cooperation between Russia and Italy and confirmed Rome's intention to further cooperate in this sphere.
EDF is one of Europe's leaders in the production, transportation, distribution and deliveries of electricity and natural gas. EdF runs 19 nuclear power plants with 58 operating reactors, as well as thermal, wind and hydro power plants and transmission and distribution lines.
ROME, December 3 (RIA Novosti)
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Post by TsarSamuil on Dec 4, 2009 13:09:59 GMT -5
Bulgaria PM: We Are Ready to Participate in South Steam, Nabucco.
Novinite.com
Energy | December 4, 2009, Friday
Bulgaria is prepared to participate in both the South Stream and Nabucco gas line projects, Bulgaria's Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, declared Friday.
Borisov spoke upon conclusion of his meeting with the Special Envoy of the United States Secretary of State for Eurasian Energy, Richard Morningstar, who is on an offical visit to Bulgaria Friday.
“Energy projects are crucial for Bulgaria, for the region, for the entire world. Politics are embedded in them regardless of my efforts to avoid them and talk just financing and business. The matter is the political significance of those projects. “Nabucco” is a priority of the European Union while the Russian “South Stream” is moving forward very quickly and many European countries are joining it almost daily,” Borisov is quoted as saying.
The PM also explained that whatever he told his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, he also told the US Envoy i.e. Bulgaria can take part in both projects because both are good for the country, adding that the one that would start earlier would be the one to be joined first, without giving up the other.
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