A new round of negotiations between Moldova and the Russian giant Gazprom regarding natural gas deliveries will start on Monday, March 27. According to Economics and Trade Minister Valeriu Lazar a new contract valid till the end of this year could be signed the same day. „It will be signed by April 1,” the minister assured. Earlier, Lazar told journalists that negotiations took place this week at the level of first persons. A technical team is in Moscow at present, so that a continued process is ensured. Lazar stated that “Moldovan officials negotiated certain ways of cooperation rather than the gas acquisition price while on a visit to the Russian capital. We want a 5-year contract, but an eventual signing of a long-term agreement requires longer negotiations. We could obtain a contract for the period left until the end of this year at the present stage,” Lazar underlined. According to Lazar, the sides have agreed not to reveal details until the end of consultations, so that not to affect the negotiation process. At the same time, the head of the Russian gas giant Gazprom, Alexei Miller, said that the gas price for Moldova should be at the European level. Economic analysts and experts are sure that Moldova will not obtain a lower price than 160 dollars without serious concessions. Also, they accuse the Moldovan officials participating in negotiations with Gazprom of secretmania. Under the existing contract which is effective until April 1, the Russian gas giant Gazprom delivers natural gas to Moldova in exchange for 110 dollars per 1,000 cubic metres, compared with 80 dollars until January 1, 2006.