OREANDA-NEWS. December 10, 2012. This was briefed by vice-premier, Minister of Economy of Moldova Valeriu Lazar to a Moldovan TV channel. According to him, the talks with the Energy Minister of Russia Alexandr Novak were confirmed to be held. The talks of the signing of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement in the Energy Sector and the new gas contract hampered due to geopolitical matters and the Transdniestrian knot. “Talks on the package approach ask time.

We are not able to set their pace now. All depends on Russia’s side” the Minister of Economy of Moldova remarked. The talks between Moscow and Chisinau on the new long-term gas supply contract are still unsuccessful due to unsolved problems on the matter of property of Gazprom, which holds shares of Moldovagaz in Moldova, emerged in the context of obligations assumed by our country on the EU Third Energy Package.

The problem of Moldova’s debt for natural gas, which approaches USD 4.1 bln., with arrears of Transndietria included, is also to be solved. It should be reminded that Russia spoke for Moldova’s renouncing implementation of the second and the third energy packages. Requirements, included in these packages to separate gas distribution and gas transition networks, leave Gazprom, owing property in both sectors, no legal certainty for running business in the market of Moldova.

In reply, authorities of Moldova pointed out commitment of the country to remain a member of the energy community but said that they are going to request the EU for postponing the terms Russia fears for to 2020. Valeriu Lazar stressed Moldova is going to implement the third energy package following a compromise model, excluding risks for Gazporm’s investments made in the gas sector of Moldova thorough Moldovagaz.