Russ Oil-Gas

January 16, 2009 - AFX News Limited – German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday she was in favor of quick progress on the construction of the Nord Stream Baltic Sea gas pipeline. "Nothing at all has changed," Merkel told a news conference when asked whether a gas dispute between Russia and Ukraine had led to a change in plans. "We want it to be built quickly. We have an approvals process to complete. Politically, there is a commitment by the German government to this project. But we certainly can't wait for Nord Stream for gas." Merkel added: "I think it's also in Russia's interest for gas to be delivered to western Europe again."