LONDON, October 5 (RIA Novosti) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that natural gas monopoly Gazprom took a balanced approach to its gas exports to Europe and supplies within Russia. "Exports and domestic supplies must be balanced," Putin said following talks with British Prime Minister Tony Blair. "And I think Gazprom's plans are balanced."
He also said political attacks on the project to build the North European gas pipeline, which would link Russia's pipeline system directly to consumers in Western Europe, are destructive for Europe's energy security.
"The project is not aimed against third countries," Putin said. "We are not squeezing anyone from cooperation in the energy sphere in Europe, but I believe turning economic contacts into political issues is counterproductive and harmful, and I hope we will not encounter such attitudes.
"Torpedoing such a project is tantamount to hampering Europe's energy security," Putin said.
