Russia’s deputy foreign minister says Moscow might include Albania in the South Stream gas pipeline, which will carry Russian gas to southeastern Europe .

Vladimir Titov says Russia will consider extending the planned pipeline to the small Balkan country, according to an Albanian government statement. Albania is not currently linked to any international gas pipelines.

Titov spoke after talks Friday with Prime Minister Sali Berisha.

South Stream will deal a blow to the rival Nabucco pipeline, which is supported by the U.S. and the European Union.

Austria, Serbia, Hungary, Slovenia, Greece, Italy, Bulgaria and Croatia have signed onto South Stream, which will lead under the Black Sea to Bulgaria. The joint venture between Russia’s Gazprom and Italy’s Eni will open in 2015.

October 22, 2010
Associated Press

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