Valeriu Lazar confident that Moldova will sign contract with Gazprom

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Valeriu Lazar is optimistic about the signing of a new contract for the supply of natural gas with Gazprom, Info-Prim Neo reports. “There are divergences deriving from the fact that Moldova supports the 2nd and 3rd energy packages of the EU. These packages provide for the separation of the gas supply from the distribution of gas. But the situation is more complex. The Russian concern Gazprom is in litigation with EU countries over such issues,” explained Valeriu Lazar. According to him, the dialogue between experts should be restored and Gazprom should realize that Moldova plays honestly and tells about its European integration aspirations from every rostrum and whenever it has the occasion. “But this does not hinder us from being a reliable partner of Gazprom, including in transporting the Russian natural gas. I’m sure we will reach the necessary compromise, but the negotiations should continue at expert level,” said Valeriu Lazar. 15% of the Russian gas supplied to the Balkan countries goes through Moldova. “The agreement with Gazprom will be signed even if we have to extend the existing one for another three or six months so as to exclude the pressure of the time factor,” said the Deputy Prime Minister. The current contract with Gazprom expires on December 31.