Explosion on Turkmen Gas Pipeline Caused by Negligence of Russian Co.

Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan

April 9, 2009

The publications in today's Russian mass media about the explosion on a gas pipeline in Turkmenistan included the one-sided comments that reflected the view of the Russian company Gazprom only.

In this connection, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hereby informs that on April 8th, 2009, the Russian company "Gazexport," without prior notification of the Turkmen party, has sharply reduced volumes of selected Turkmen natural gas. As a result of it, in the early morning of 9th of April an accident has occurred on a part of the gas pipeline which carries out delivery of Turkmen gas to Russia.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan considers the actions of "Gazexport" rash and irresponsible as it has created real threat to people's lives and health and is fraught with unpredictable ecological consequences.

Such actions also unilaterally violate the provisions of the contract on purchase and sale of gas.

Proceeding from the above-stated, the Turkmen government hopes that the management of the Russian companies involved carefully consider the accident, including the actions by employees, and take all necessary measures to prevent similar cases from happening again.