Moldovan delegation leaving for Moscow to negotiate new price for natural gas

A delegation of the Republic of Moldova is to leave on Monday, June 5 for Moscow to continue talks with the Russian Concern “Gazprom” regarding a new contract on natural gas deliveries. The last week, Prime-minister Vasile Tarlev mentioned that the negotiations with the Russian Federation carried rather difficult, but he hopes it will have a good finishing. On the other hand, the Russian newspaper “Kommersant”, writes that “Gazprom” intends to increase the delivery price for natural gas up to 160 USD for Moldova. The same opinion is shared by independent experts from Moldova. The Moldovan delegation will be headed by the prime-deputy minister Zinaida Greceanai. The minister of industry and infrastructure, Vladimir Antosii and the Minister of Economy and Commerce, Valeriu Lazar are also going to participate at the negotiations. The present contract on Russian natural gas imports expires on June 1, 2006. At the moment, the Russian Concern “Gazprom” delivers natural gas to the Republic of Moldova at a price of 110 USD per 1000 cube meters, comparing to 80 USD until January 1, 2006.