Putin: energy projects must not be delayed, Ukraine situation shows
VILLA GERNETTO (Italy). April 26 (Interfax) - The situation in Ukraine underscores the need for Russia not to allow delays in implementing major infrastructure projects, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said following document signings with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
"We signed agreements with Ukraine and guaranteed 10 years of hydrocarbon deliveries across that nation's territory," Putin said.
The agreement preserves the contract on deliveries of gas to Ukrainian consumers and, "most importantly, to Europeans. We preserved the transit contract in the coming decade covering deliveries of gas to Europe through Ukraine," he said.
"But you see yourselves what is happening in Ukraine: there is a domestic political uproar over this agreement. Some opposition figures are saying that they will tear up the agreement if they come to power. Therefore, there must be no delay in major infrastructure projects that raise Europe's energy security," Putin said.