Not in American gas: Kurti says MCC funds are oriented on other energy projects

Prime Minister Alin Kurti has responded to the opposition in criticism of the previously envisioned US gas pipeline project in MCC funds.

He has said that MCC funds do not link with implementation of the gas project, while adding that the Government of Kosovo has made the decision that MCC funds will be used for other projects in the energy sector.

 Kosovo's “government since the beginning of the mandate has been working intensively to analyse the gas pipeline construction opportunities that would link Kosovo and northern Macedonia, which then continues from this state in Greece and where it relates to TAP during this period we have worked specifically to clarify some issues. The cost of various infrastructure components, the way we finance and how much we would have to take credit as a state, potential use of gas and who. The entity and the use of the eventual gas power plant and the impact of the production of electricity from gas to energy prices 22 years has not had major energy decisions, even we in a few months to make a decision for the next 22 years is not serious if we hurry and irresponsible. Therefore, we have made sure that decisions are as well informed in the first place, taking into account the benefits and price that businesses and citizens who are our taxpayers' taxes. When we take the gas, someone has to pay, the citizen of Kosovo pays... The decision has been made for MCC funds to be used for other projects in the energy sector”, he said.

The AAK chairman Ramush Haradinaj has reacted to this, who said it is bad news when the prime minister deviates MCC funds.

Haradinaj has even asked Kurti about the purpose of this deviation, which expresses doubt even of his statement by Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi for Russian gas.

 “As soon as the prime minister said he has decided that the MCC funds, with Ant-oriented, cited other aspects of energy. Imagine how bad news for Kosovo. After three years of intensive work and agreement that in November, investment in the American gas pipeline took place, the prime minister informs us that he has decided on behalf of Kosovo, so he has decided to divert those funds. Still got that money. But, prime minister, can you tell us when you have to bring gas to Kosovo cheaper than 200 million dollars on American soil? So when do you manage to get Kosovo cheaper gas than it is now? With Kosovo money you want to do this, or do you have the alternative elsewhere? Why the deputy prime minister has called this project Russian gas. Tell you why I make these decisions?”, Haradinaj asked.

Kurti has said that the government has not set conditions in terms of this project, nor has the MCC set conditions.

 “S first feasibility is made to understand when what is best. The other one, we've cleared several times, the grant hasn't been lost, nor has it been a risk of losing at any moment. The $200 million grant has not been earmarked for infrastructure specifically. Since this option has been being studied, we had lost our funds otherwise. We've decided to use the grant for other investments. The government has not set conditions in terms of this project, nor has the MCC set conditions. This has been and remains a partnership between the Government and the MCC... the global energy crisis predicted by the expert that it will last until the middle of next year, it has nothing to do with this project or gas... When some money didn't come in November it's not really that the funds are either gas or drop”, Kurti said.