RUSSIA STEPS UP GAS SUPPLY TO TURKEY

Russia will step up gas supply to Turkey starting January 1, 2001, from 10.5bn cubic metres to 13bn cubic metres using the “western” route, Russia’s Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov told journalists in Istanbul on Tuesday. In Mr. Kasyanov’s words “western” route implies transporting gas via Bulgaria and Romania, Interfax news agency reports. “We are gradually increasing our gas supplies so as to foster Turkey’s energy balance,” added Mr. Kasyanov., Russian Premier also said that Russia, responding to Turkey’s request, will consider opening Turkish Consulate in Russia’s city of Novorossiysk on the Black Sea. At that, Mr. Kasyanov mentioned that some problems remained with the loan Turkey gave Russia in 1996.