Yamal pipeline high on the agenda at Poland-Russia gas negotiations

Poland and Russia are to begin talks soon on mutual cooperation on gas issues, although when and where the discussions will take place remain unknown. The issues to be addressed by the Polish and Russian negotiating teams will include the completion of the Yamal gas pipeline, as well as the construction of a new gas pipeline from Belarus to Slovakia, crossing Polish territory. "Currently, Polish Oil and Gas (PGNiG) is analyzing all the contracts for the supply of gas to Poland, and a prognosis on gas exploitation in Poland until 2010 should be ready on Thursday. It's one of the basic documents required for the discussions with the Russian side," said deputy Economy Minister Marek Kossowski, commenting on the talks. Contrary to earlier announcements, the Polish and Russian negotiators will meet not three times, but only once. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p. 15) A.Z.