VILNIUS, Lithuania. March 1 (Interfax) - The Lithuanian Energy Ministry is surprised by Russian gas major Gazprom's claims and admits that the company's appeal to international arbitration courts could be a result of disagreements within Gazprom.

Lithuanian Energy Minister Arvydas Sekmokas told Interfax that the ministry is waiting for concrete official news on Gazprom's latest decisions, after which it will decide which steps to take in response.

"We are surprised by such statements [by Gazprom]. Actually, the meeting with [Gazprom Deputy CEO] Alexander Medvedev was constructive, and such steps taken by Gazprom certainly do not make a positive contribution to the dialogue that was established. And for me, it [Gazprom's allegation that Lithuania is not fulfilling its agreements] sounds strange, because we carried out all the actions on which agreement was reached at the meeting. (