Turkmenistan: Ashgabat Repairing Rift with Russia -- Energy Minister

Russia and Turkmenistan are close to resolving their differences over a pipeline explosion that halted gas exports from the Central Asian state. Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko says the two countries were still haggling about compensation terms, but expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved soon.

Turkmen-Russian tension flared after an explosion on Davletbat-Daryalik pipeline, also known as the CAC-4, near the Uzbek border on April 9. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. Ashgabat accused Gazprom of both negligence and of trying to back out of its contractual obligations. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. Gazprom denied any culpability in the incident.

Shmatko indicated that Turkmenistan's stance toward Gazprom appeared to be softening. "We see that Turkmenistan is sending Russia positive signals," he added in comments distributed by the RIA Novosti news agency.