Russian Pipeline Through Turkey on Hold

Alexei Miller, the top executive at Russian gas giant Gazprom, says there’s no concrete interest from Turkey on natural gas pipeline, forcing a suspension of bilateral talks (Source: Anatoli Zhdanov/UPI)

MOSCOW (UPI)—Talks between Moscow and Ankara on building a natural gas pipeline through Turkey to Europe are suspended, Russia’s energy minister said.

Russian energy company Gazprom proposed the so-called Turkish Stream gas pipeline as an alternative to a broader South Stream pipeline network meant to feed European markets. Bulgaria’s decision in 2014 to back away from South Stream led in part to a derailment of the project.

Gazprom Chief Executive Officer Alexei Miller said Thursday there was little communication from Ankara on the proposal to build the pipeline.

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak told news agency Itar-TASS the pursuit was now on hold.

“The negotiations have been suspended,â€