The U.S. welcomed the completion of the independent audit conducted by outside firms commissioned by the Moldovan government to examine Gazprom's debt claims against Moldovagaz.
"Unsurprisingly, Gazprom was unable to substantiate its exorbitant claims - a bill that Russia believes the Moldovan people should have to pay." The United States reiterates its support for Moldova's efforts to diversify its energy sources and secure a more prosperous and transparent future for its people," the U.S. State Department said in a statement released by the American Embassy in Chisinau. As previously reported, Energy Minister Victor Parlicov said on September 7 that an audit showed that most of Moldovagaz's alleged debts to Gazprom are undocumented or overdue and are not enforceable. Therefore, Moldova offers the Russian concern to pay $8.6 million at this stage and "close all these topics". "Gazprom commented on the results of the audit of Moldovagaz's historical debt and said that it strongly disagrees with the Moldovan side's assertions and intends to continue defending its rights by all possible means. // 08.09.2023 - InfoMarket
