ITAR-TASS: Russia ready to build South Stream if Europe wants to reduce transit risks — minister

Russia will build the South Stream pipeline if Europe needs to decrease transit risks and have guarantees of stable gas supplies, Russian Economic Development Minister Alexey Ulyukayev said on Wednesday.

“South Stream is a means of guarantees and reducing transit risks for European consumers. If European consumers have a demand for lowering risks, then we will build South Stream. If there is no such a demand, then we will not construct it,” he said.

The Russian minister said if Europe drops plans for South Stream, then it should take the risks of a violation of guaranteed gas supplies.

Ulyukayev stressed that Russia’s deal to construct pipeline to China has no link to Moscow’s commitment to European gas consumers. “The idea is the natural diversification and balance of supplies,” he said, adding, “Russia has enough gas for both the East and the West.”
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