Deputy Econ. Minister resigns due to over zealous handling of Gazprom deal

The deputy Economy Minister Jan Szlazak was forced to resign as facts about the contract with Russian Gazprom were revealed. On April 25 the company made an offer to construct a second line in the already existing pipeline connecting Russian oil fields with Germany via Poland. The pipeline would enable Russia to transport oil without crossing Ukraine territory. If the deal were clinched, Poland would receive more gas than it needed and at the same time aggravate its relations with Ukraine. A few days after the publication of the deal early this year, the Minister confirmed the Ministry was in control of the operation and assured there was no need for concern as no irregularities would be possible. Still, at the beginning of May it was discovered a letter of intent had been signed, after Szlazak, without any authorization from the government, had unofficially informed Gazprom that Poland was interested in the project. Other, less significant irregularities have also been found which led to Szlazak's resignation on Monday. "It is clear that Szlazak quit because of the pipeline and the letter of intent," said one of the higher state officials. (Zycie, page 7) J.K.