Merkel seeks gas delivery agreement from Russians

GERMANY: German chancellor Angela Merkel said yesterday she wanted a new co-operation agreement between the EU and Russia to…

GERMANY:German chancellor Angela Merkel said yesterday she wanted a new co-operation agreement between the EU and Russia to include commitments from Moscow that it would be a reliable provider of energy.

"Russia was a dependable delivery partner in the past. But we are wrestling with Russia right now about strengthening this [ commitment] . . ." Dr Merkel told ZDF TV.

The EU obtains about a quarter of its gas from Russia. Over the coming months, Dr Merkel will be leading efforts to develop a long-term energy strategy for the EU.

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