Moldova defends energy talks with Gazprom amid gas crisis fears
The visit of the Minister of Energy to Saint Petersburg for talks with representatives of the Russian conglomerate Gazprom, amid the risk of gas transit disruption through Ukraine starting January 1, 2025, was not only necessary but also foreseeable, stated Oleg Serebrian, Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration.
In an interview with Moldova 1, the official explained that the talks were being held "in the interest of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova," as any potential disruption in transit could trigger a humanitarian crisis, which would, in turn, affect citizens on both banks of the Dniester River.
"Such a situation, where gas supplies are disrupted, would not just be a crisis; I dare say it would be a humanitarian catastrophe, as it would also lead to the collapse of the electricity delivery system. Tens of thousands of families on both the right and left banks would be affected. This is something every state is obligated to avoid."
The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that, in such circumstances, the state has a duty to do everything possible to protect its population, even if it involves making concessions.
"You are well aware that even if two or three citizens are taken, say, following a terrorist attack, the state negotiates and makes concessions—sometimes even unwanted ones—which may not be popular with the general public. In this case, it concerns hundreds of thousands of citizens, their well-being, and the stability of people on both banks of the Dniester."
When asked about the wave of criticism in the public sphere surrounding the Minister of Energy's visit to the Russian Federation, Deputy Prime Minister Oleg Serebrian stated that it was both necessary and foreseeable.
"It was somewhat foreseeable; we cannot claim that something entirely unexpected occurred. Many people, including from the EU, are engaging with the Gazprom conglomerate. It is not as spectacular as some would have it. This is a discussion with an economic agent, undertaken for the benefit of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova."
Translation by Iurie Tataru
