Romanian PM: Nabucco To Deliver Energy Without Political Pressures

Nabucco pipeline project is aimed at ensuring energy safety in the region and in the European Union, at market conditions and without political pressures, Romanian Prime Minister Emil Boc said Monday in Ankara, Turkey.

Before signing Nabucco intergovernmental agreement, Boc said the energy, like any other commodity, should be traded based on the market economy principles and protected from political pressures.

"Nabucco project is not planned to be against anybody, as it is open to everyone, to the benefit of European citizens," Boc added.

US' Special Envoy for Eurasian Energy Richard Morningstar stated Sunday in Ankara that Russia is free to participate in supplying Nabucco pipeline, and that the states involved in the project should accept it as partner.

Nabucco will supply natural gas from the Caspian Sea to Central Europe via Turkey and Romania, bypassing Russia. The project is endorsed by the European Union and the USA.

The project is developed by Nabucco Gas Pipeline International, formed by Austria's OMV, Hungary's MOL, Romania's Transgaz (TGN.RO), Bulgaria's Bulgargaz, Turkey's Botas and Germany's RWE.

According to the latest data, Nabucco will require total investments worth EUR8 billion, will start in 2011 and is scheduled to be completed in 2014.

Mediafax