Romania To Sign Gas Deal Directly With Gazprom

Basescu said there is one member of parliament, former state secretary in 2001 – 2002, who says Romania currently receives gas from Russia through intermediaries, but he did not offer any names.

The head of state said that, "in his (the mentioned MP) time, 2001 – 2002," an agreement was signed, by which Romania received gas through intermediaries and not directly from Gazprom.

Basescu said he held talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on this topic, adding that the talks took place "very recently."

According to him, the Russian side showed willingness too discuss a direct contract through which Romania would receive Russian gas. Basescu mentioned that in Russia he will be accompanied by an economic delegation, specifically for talks on this topic.

"I have convened with president Putin that we will discuss this topic in my visit," Basescu said.

He added that the visit will most likely take place after the instatement of the new Russian president, Dmitri Medvedev.