Russian Natural Resources Minister promises to do his best to carry on Sakhalin II project

Russian Natural Resources Minister Yury Trutnev talked with journalists Tuesday about developments in the Sakhalin II project.

He said that his ministry was aware of the investment importance of the project and its significance for the Russian economy.

"We proceed from the need to do everything possible to prevent the termination of the project," he said.

"At the same time, our ability to do this largely depends on the actions of the companies concerned, because we firmly believe that they should make good the environmental damage their operation has done," the minister said. "We think everything possible should be done to remedy the situation without stopping the project."

Trutnev said the main violations included environmental damage, notably illegal felling of forests to change the route of the pipeline, damage done to bodies of water by construction that did not include reliable environmental protection measures, as well as dredging that was conducted in violation of the established procedure.

"We have no definite intention to damage the companies that invest in Russia," Trutnev said. "Those investors who respect Russian legislation need not worry. We welcome investment, but will demand rigid compliance with Russian legislation."