RusEnergy

RBC, 11.11.2008, Moscow 15:46:22 – Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin sees no reason why consumer countries should have any fears regarding the creation of a forum of natural gas producing countries, he told journalists following a meeting with Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif in Moscow today. Putin stressed that no cartel was being created, nor was a cartel agreement to be signed. He acknowledged his awareness of the concern among consumer countries, but said they were unjustified and that Russia was supporting the idea of such a forum in order to ensure uninterrupted and reliable gas supplies to key consumers at fair and economically feasible prices. Putin stressed that the next meeting regarding this issue would be held in Moscow, and noted that Russia's Egyptian partners had confirmed their interest in the work of this forum and their willingness to take part in the meeting.