Rosneft, BP don't have to clear deal with Energy Ministry - Shmatko
MOSCOW. June 7 (Interfax) - Rosneft and BP do not have to clear a cooperation deal with the Russian Energy Ministry, Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko told reporters.
Existing regulations no not require that the ministry be informed. "There are no requirements for the Energy Ministry's consent to be obtained. The ministry is not involved in the continuation of these additional consultations," Shmatko said.
Rosneft has held talks with Shell and Exxon since its deal with BP broke down, Shmatko said.
It is also "noticeable how hard BP is fighting one way or the other to continue strategic cooperation with Rosneft," he said. "It would seem strategic cooperation with Rosneft is so attractive that BP is using other opportunities for this also," he said.