Minister of Energy Victor Parlicov said the report on the external audit conducted to determine the debts of SA Moldovagaz will be soon submitted to the Russian company Gazprom. This will be accompanied by a draft agreement on the settlement of historical debts to taking over US$720 million. The audit showed that a significant part of the gas debts appeared after Gazprom lent money to Moldovagaz, IPN reports.

The minister avoided saying exact figures stipulated in the report that he examined, making reference to the clauses agreed by the sides. However, he told RFE/RL’s Moldovan Service that a large part of Moldovagaz’s debts to Gazprom accumulated because the Russian gas giant covered particular costs incurred by the company based in Chisinau, which the National Agency for Energy Regulation considers unacceptable.

The minister noted there are also unsubstantiated debts. “The independent auditors calculated the sum that the administration of Moldovagaz spent imprudently, without this being included, accepted in the charge by the regulator,” Victor Parlicov stated in the podcast.

He said that after it is transmitted to Gazprom, the audit report will be made public and everyone will be able to see it.

The minister also said that the amount paid to Wikborg Rein Advokatfirma AS of Norway and Forensic Risk Alliance & Co of the UK for their auditing services is fully justified. The initial sum of €800,000 agreed initially by the Public Services Agency with the two companies was later modified at €1.15 million.

Asked about Moldova’s current relationship with Gazprom, Victor Parlicov said that this was put on hold. Since he was appointed minister, he has had no discussion with officials of the Russian company. A topic of conversation is needed and this will appear after Gazprom receives the audit report and the draft debt settlement agreement.