Russian Ambassador to Serbia Aleksandar Bocan Harčenko stated that “negotiations regarding NIS are not yet fully concluded, but there has been progress, and the entire process is moving in a direction that suits everyone, as confirmed by statements from Serbian officials.”
“I would say that the current results of the talks fully reflect the friendly relationship between Russia and Serbia. And most importantly, they provide the opportunity for continued cooperation in the energy sector and in every other field,” Harčenko said in an interview with today’s Večernje novosti.
When asked whether OFAC’s decision to extend NIS’s license until February 20 should be seen as a signal that the U.S. side might give the green light for a final agreement on the sale of Russia’s stake in MOL, or if complications are still very possible, he said he is “very cautious about this.”
“The NIS issue is very complicated. OFAC is involved, and we cannot rule out any scenario. That is the world we live in. OFAC’s decision to extend the license is very significant, primarily to maintain the functionality of NIS and the Pančevo Refinery, as it is an industrial resource important for Serbia’s broader energy security. In other words, we have a glimmer of hope,” Bocan Harčenko explained.
He also stated that Serbia’s supply of Russian gas after March will remain stable and at the most favorable prices.
“Yes, as it has been so far, there is no doubt about that. This is based on the principled agreement and understanding between the presidents of Russia and Serbia. Of course, the situation now is very different from previous times when long-term contracts were signed, as we had stability in the energy and gas markets and in transportation. Now the reality is different,” Bocan Harčenko noted.
MORE TOPICS:
Source: Nedeljnik, Foto: ATA Images