Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Russia

Russia Considering Legal Probe Of Sakhalin-2

Russia's Federation Council discussed the Sakhalin-2 project on October 20 (ITAR-TASS)

October 27, 2006 -- The Russian Prosecutor-General's Office says it might open a criminal case over possible ecological crimes during the implementation of the Sakhalin-2 project.

TEXT SIZE - +

October 27, 2006

Prosecutor-General's Office spokeswoman Marina Gridneva, told Interfax today that the office "plans to inspect materials provided by Natural Resources Ministry on ecological violations."

However, she said that materials have not yet been received from the ministry.

On October 25, Natural Resources Minister Yury Trutnev said Sakhalin-2 materials would be submitted to prosecutors within two weeks.

British oil giant Shell and Japanese firms Mitsui and Mitsubishi face Russian allegations of violating the county's environmental laws.

Russian authorities revoked a key environmental permit for the Sakhalin-2 project in late September, citing environmental violations.

Environmental groups back the claims, but critics accuse Moscow of using the allegations to help state gas company Gazprom muscle in on the project.

(AP, Interfax)

Russia And Global Energy Security

An oil field in Russia's Republic of Bashkortostan (TASS file photo)

ENERGY SECURITY is increasingly moving to the top of the EU's agenda in its dealings the outside world. A recent report identifies the European Union's main energy objectives as not just securing gas and oil deliveries from Russia, but also ensuring that it has reliable alternative sources, including in Central Asia. Nonetheless, EU officials say relations with Russia take center-stage in their thinking....(more)

EU Maintains Codependent Energy Relationship With Russia

Moscow Gets Tough With The EU

Turkmenistan: The Achilles' Heel Of European Energy Security

U.S. Official Urges Reforms In Energy-Producing Countries