Energy charter: Russia states its terms

The European Union has pressed Russia to ratify the international energy charter and EU officials say comments by Russia on Sunday were a step in the right direction. The charter is designed to promote cross-border investment in energy resources and trans

President Vladimir Putin has so far resisted the accord, saying it would open up Russia’s economy to foreign firms without giving similar access to Russia. Energy Minister Viktor Khristenko says two conditions need meeting before Russia can ratify. The EU should decide whether it is institutions of the EU’s headquarters in Brussels or member states that have the authority to regulate energy transit. The other is that Russia should be able to sign long-term transit contracts with countries on the route to European markets.