Gazprom Officials to Discuss 'Macedonian' South Stream Section

Experts from Russian state-owned Gazprom are to visit Macedonia's capital Skopje for talks over the construction of a South Stream gas pipeline section.

The agreement to "fork" the pipeline's route, which was signed on July 23 last year, will be further elaborated after detailed analyses are conducted to determine the route, construction price and terms and conditions of gas supplies, Macedonian newspaper Kurir has announced.

A joint venture is expected to be formed to deal with issues regarding the "Macedonian" South Stream Branch.

The visit by Gazprom representatives comes at a time when timing and other aspects of the South Stream pipeline project are put into question by the possibility of EU-imposed sanctions on Russia over the Crimean standoff.

Most European countries involved in the South Stream pipeline have, however, have shown commitment to go on with the project.