Gazprom denies Turkish media report about possibility of gaining control of country's gas industry

MOSCOW. May 25 (Interfax) - Gazprom has denied Turkish media reports that it could take control of the country's state gas company.

"The information disseminated in a number of Turkish media about alleged negotiations or intentions regarding the transfer of the Turkish company Botas to Gazprom's management is completely untrue," the Russian gas giant said in a statement.

Halk TV had quoted Ali Arif Akturk, the former head of gas procurement at Botas, as saying Gazprom could supposedly take it over in exchange for writing off debts for gas supplies.

Turkey holds a second round of presidential elections this weekend.