US welcomes results of Gazprom debt audit
The United States has welcomed the results of an independent audit that found that a large part of the debt owed by Moldovagaz to Gazprom is unjustified.
The audit, which was conducted by two foreign companies at the request of the Moldovan government, found that only $8.6 million of the more than $700 million claimed by Gazprom is actually owed.
The US State Department said in a statement that the audit results "should come as no surprise" and that they "confirm that Gazprom has been trying to exploit Moldova's energy dependence."
The State Department also reaffirmed its support for Moldova's efforts to diversify its energy sources and "ensure a more prosperous and transparent future for its people."
Gazprom has said it does not recognize the results of the audit and will defend its rights in every possible way.
The opposition in Moldova's parliament appears to be lining up behind Gazprom's version of events, raising concerns that the Russian Federation may not take kindly to these revelations.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
