Following the suspension of Russian oil deliveries through Belarus, Federal Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier today spoke on the telephone to Deputy Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. After his conversation, he issued the following statement on request:
"I call on Russia and Belarus to settle their dispute rapidly. The supply of Russian oil to Europe must be reinstated. We urge both sides to meet existing supply obligations. The oil dispute between Russia and Belarus must not be conducted at the expense of third parties. We need a quick solution.
While there is at present no reason to fear that German consumers will be affected, it is however vital that energy relations between Russia and Europe as a whole are stable and dependable. This is also in Russia's interest.
Germany will work towards a further intensification of Europe's energy dialogue with Russia during its EU Presidency."
