Naive to think problems in gas shipments to EU were due to Russian ill will - energy official
BRUSSELS. March 28 (Interfax) - Arguments that temporary problems in Russian gas shipments to Europe were Moscow's "gas weapon" or an "asymmetrical response to the third energy package" indicate there is a total misunderstanding of what was happening between Russia and the European Union last winter, Russian Deputy Energy Minister Anatoly Yanovsky said on Wednesday.
"It would be naive to think that problems in Russian gas shipments to Europe in February were a deliberately planned move by Russian company managers or the government," Yanovsky said at a press briefing in Brussels.
By interpreting the situation this way, Western media "are seriously damaging" relations with the European Union, he said.
Russia and Europe are linked by bonds of long-standing relations, including in the energy sector, he added.
"For us, Europe is the main fuel and energy market for gas, oil and coal, and we, of course, want this market to expand: trade in energy resources brings revenues to the federal budget and, for that matter, benefits our economy. All disruptions, if they ever arise, affect our companies' economic performance and the national economy in general," he said.
Russia's interest in cooperation and the entire energy dialogue between Russia and the EU "aim to lift the current problems," he said.
"These uncertainties have to do with many things - the scope of production and consumption, permanently updated regulations and the planning of investment in extraction, transportation and distribution," Yanovsky said.
"Since companies - oil, gas, coal or energy - ultimately run the business, we need to lay solid principles that would be reflected primarily in international agreements between the Russian Federation and the European Union, and the Russian Federation in the EU member-states," the Russian official said.
"This is the only way to lower the uncertainty - for companies in the first place - and to guarantee a long-running and reliable business that rests on a solid foundation of laws," he said.
"Our European colleagues understand our desire, and the entire energy dialogue indicates that agreements are attainable," Yanovsky said.
The first ever hearings on energy cooperation between Russia and the European Union were held in the European Parliament on Wednesday, "where we could exchange views on the entire spectrum of cooperation issues with European colleagues, lawmakers, experts and media people," he said.