The Russian energy giant Gazprom confirmed on Tuesday, following the visit of the company’s CEO Alexey Miller to Serbia, that it intends to participate in the upcoming privatization of the state-owned company Naftna industrija Srbije (NIS), according to a statement released in Moscow.
Gazprom emphasizes that it links this plan with the construction of the "South Stream" pipeline, which is intended to direct Russian gas to Europe through Bulgaria and Italy. Miller met on Tuesday with Serbian President Boris Tadić and Prime Minister Vojislav Koštunica and told them that "Gazprom believes that the privatization of NIS, the development of the pipeline, and underground storage facilities that should facilitate deliveries to Serbia and transit to third countries are part of a unified plan," according to the statement. Serbian media reports that in addition to NIS, Gazprom also wants to participate in the privatization of Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS). (Hina)
