Envoy calls on EU not to bar Russian energy projects in Balkans

VIENNA, April 15 (Itar-Tass) -- Russia does not oppose European
integration of Balkan countries and wants the European Union to assist
Russian energy projects in the region rather than impede them, according
to Russian Ambassador to the OSCE Anvar Azimov.
"We perceive the European integration drive of Balkan countries as a
natural trend. We are open for interaction with the European Union in the
efforts to stabilize and economically develop the Balkans," he told a
meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council on Thursday.
Azimov said there are preconditions for Russian participation in
energy and infrastructure projects in the region, but regretted that "so
far there are visible attempts of Brussels to oust Russia from the region
or bypass it under the pretext of decreasing excessive energy reliance of
the regional states on our country."
Russia is planning to build the South Stream gas pipeline to Europe
and the Balkans, in particular, while the European Union backs alternative
Nabucco project to bypass Russia.
"Russia is building up relations with Balkan countries on an equal
basis without preconditions and political or economic pressure. Naturally
we have our own interests in the Balkans which we work to implement in the
process of mutually advantageous partnership," Azimov said.