Transnistria likely to cede stake in Moldova-gaz to Gazprom

Transnistria negotiates with Russian giant Gazprom the possibility of tendering it its stake in Moldova-gaz, the manque foreign minister of the Tiraspol authorities, Vladimir Yastrebchak, told a news conference in Moscow, Info-Prim Neo has learnt from the Tiraspol foreign ministry's web page. “We set the issue much broader – not only to give it the stake, but also to allow Transnistria, finally, to be able to conclude a direct contract with Gazprom, what would offer more guarantees to the company,” Yastrebchak says. Gazprom holds 50% in Moldovagaz's equity. The rest of the stocks are shared by the Moldovan Government – 35.3%, the Trannistrian authorities – 13.44% and some smaller stockholders – 1.23%. Transnistria owes Gazprom over $1.6 billion, but the debts belong officially to Moldovagaz, who supplies Gazporm's natural gas to the Nistru's both banks.