Energy becomes tool of geopolitical pressure, say high – level experts at Interparliamentary Conference in Moldova

Chisinau, 02 March /MOLDPRES/ – Gas has become a tool of pressure and an element of geopolitical threat of Russia upon states in the region, Ambassador John Herbst said in the panel on energy security of the Inter-Parliamentary High Level Conference: Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine: Eastern Partnership and Current Security Challenges, the parliament’s communication and public relations department has reported.

"Just by diversifying energy market and a single energy policy across EU, situation can be changed," said Herbst. According to him, it is vital to strengthen European energy market.

Senator Titus Corlatean referred to geopolitical support of Romania for European integration and energy security for Moldova. In this context, senator mentioned projects of interconnection of gas pipeline and electricity networks.

Eurasia Centre, Atlantic Council, Timothy Fairbank, exposed upon importance of strengthening energy independence in the area and diversifying energy sources. In this context, Atlantic Council expert, Agnia Grigas, said liquefied gas could be a real alternative to overcoming dependence on Russia, in particular, referring to liquefied gas terminal in Croatia which would be launched soon.

Ukrainian MP, Natalia Katser – Buchkovska, and Deputy Speaker of Lithuania share experience of their countries in energy diversification.

The conference, organised in partnership with Atlantic Council at initiative of the Speakers of Parliaments of Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine, puts to discussion issues related to info security, energy, defence, as well as discussing assurance of stable economic growth and rule of law in the region. The event gathered around 150 high – level officials and experts, including Speakers from Legislative, MEPs, US Congress representatives, notable international and regional experts.

Today, the three Speakers of Parliament signed a joint declaration in which they are committed to uniting their efforts to promote common defence and security policies.

The representatives of Parliaments, US Congress, MEPs participate in the first high – level interparliamentary conference on security matters, organised in Chisinau. The notable experts, such as: Atlantic Council Executive vice – President, Damon Wilson, Anders Aslund, Eurasia Centre, Atlantic Council, Eurasia Centre Director, John Herbst, Ambassador Asif Chaudhry, Associate Director RUSI, Jonathan Eyal, Ambassador Alexander Vershbow, former Deputy Secretary – General of NATO, other international and regional experts.