Gennady Melnik. The gas pipeline project "Poseidon" from Greece to Italy remains on the agenda, It was discussed during the negotiations with Russia on the strip through Greece pipeline for gas supplies from Russia from the Turkish border to Central Europe, said the former Minister of Economics of Greece, the leader of the new party "National unity" Panagiotis Lafazanis. He is an active supporter of the construction of a gas pipeline from Russia to the European Union through Greece.

"When I was in the Minister's position with my initiatives actively promoted the implementation of the project of the Russian gas pipeline Black sea - Turkey - Greece - Central Europe. And in one of the last conversations we were talking about the passage of the pipeline And through Italy ", - told Lafazanis.

the question remains whether the gas pipeline Project "Poseidon" from Greece to Italy on the table, Lafazanis said, " of course. This is a very good Project, And, as far as I know, It was expressed by the Italian side "." This project is extremely important for the whole of Europe. Greece actively participated in this project to progress. Greece is broke, with my personal participation, a kind of taboo, played a major role in the fact that throughout Europe was a positive attitude towards the pipeline. The Project appeared strong demand in all European countries, When it became clear that Greece may occupy a significant position, " Lafazanis said.

according to him, currently the parties face obstacles in promoting the pipeline." Until now, the cartel pipeline remains only on paper And it seems that the Project is not progressing on the basis of the contract. There is a delay. I dream, this delay will not lead to its abolition, which would result in a worst-case scenario not only for us And Russia, But also for our entire region And the whole of Europe, " Lafazanis said.

"Once again - the gas pipeline Project is not required to be cancelled And the route it is not required to change. I mean the Black sea, Turkey, Greece And Central Europe, if possible - through Italy. This is the most suitable route connecting the Russian Federation with the European And South will ensure the safety And stability of the European gas supplies And at a good price, " said the former Minister. He said that There is a restriction in the supply of gas throughout Europe, from England And the North sea, And from North Africa, And These difficulties with supplies you can cross through the Russian pipeline.

along with this, Lafazanis said that There is opposition to the project from the United States." The United States has not expressed interest in this pipeline for obvious political reasons, I would have said - for reasons of cold war, in the attempt to isolate Russia. The US wants to build a new wall in the spirit of the cold war to isolate Russia. We see similar tactics of the "cold war" in Ukraine. But We cannot reckon with the interests of the United States, more precisely - with imperialist interests. We have to comply with the national interests of the Greek people, all Europe must reckon with the interests of the European Union And the European people And to be prepared for the construction of a gas pipeline according to the developed plan, " Lafazanis said.

"Russia Is part of Europe, It is important for Europe country. Russia cannot And should not be isolated. It's absurd to apply measures against Russia. These measures are not directed against Russia, they are directed against the entire European people And they are required to be completed. Greece must stop the imposition of sanctions against Russia, which have no benefits And will not bring any good to the people. God himself commanded to have good relations with Russia And develop These relationships as widely as possible And as deeply as possible, " said Lafazanis.

The full text of the interview is available on the Internet office of ria. EN 14. 00 MSK.

sections: Politics