Gazprom threatens – no gas for Moldova – economy

The Russian energy company Gazprom is threatening the ex-Soviet Republic of Moldova with turning off the gas because of unpaid bills. Debts of 433 million US dollars had accrued; the outstanding amount due to fines now amounted to 709 million US dollars. A Gazprom spokesman announced: “The representatives of Moldova – for whatever reason – do not want to recognize this accumulated debt.” The government in the completely impoverished neighboring country of EU member Romania has declared a state of emergency because of a gas deficit.