Khelil calls for inclusion in European gas market talks

Algerian Energy and Mines Minister Chakib Khelil has called for the European Union to open channels with "all partners involved" in its future discussions of the development of Europe's gas market. According to the OPEC news agency, Khelil, meeting with EU representative Lucio Guerrato, was critical of the "lack of consultation" that had so far taken place between the EU and gas exporters.

April 13, 2001

By the OGJ Online Staff

LONDON, Apr. 13--Algerian Energy and Mines Minister Chakib Khelil has called for the European Union to open channels with "all partners involved" in its future discussions of the development of Europe's gas market.

According to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries' news agency, Khelil, meeting with EU representative Lucio Guerrato, was critical of the "lack of consultation" that had so far taken place between the EU and gas exporters outside Europe.

Khelil and Guerrato, according to a statement issued by the Algerian Energy Ministry, had discussed the "restrictive EU arrangements related to the import of natural gas."

OPECNA reported Friday that the EU ambassador had promised to "heighten the Union's awareness of the need to establish a cycle of consultations aimed at attaining the approval of all partners involved."

Earlier this week Khelil urged the European Commission to be "pragmatic" when making decisions related to the gas market by taking the interest of producer and consumer countries into account.