BAČEVIĆ: South Stream Southern branch in preparation

Milan Bačević (Photo: mprrpp.gov.rs)

- We have prepared the concept of spatial plan for special purpose areas for the southern branch of the South Stream. It is only left for " Srbijagas " and the Republic Spatial Planning Agency to sign the agreement on development of the Spatial Plan - Bačević said , pointing out that the completion of the main spatial plan for South Stream through Serbia and the preparation of the southern branch of the South Stream, among the most important tasks of the ministry, which were initiated in 2013 and with several capital projects successfully completed.

- With this branch , the existing South Stream forks to the south , to the border with Macedonia , because the idea that the supply of gas from Serbia was a good option for Macedonia got through, although it does have an alternative option, which is supply of gas from Bulgaria - said Bačević, in his New Year`s statement to Tanjug .

He said that the branch of the South Stream should lead to Macedonia , but it is also in plan to make a turnoff for Kosovo and Metohija, in the same way as it is done to the branch with Croatia and Srpska Republic.

The implementation of the southern branch of the South Stream through Serbia would bring much larger amounts of gas than originally planned , from which Serbia will reap much higher transit fees, said Bačevi .

- Financing of the spatial plan for the southern branch of the main gas pipeline , according to the information I have , will not be a problem - said Bačević.

He pointed out that the frequent debate in public about South Stream can not bring anything good to Serbia .

Development of a spatial plan for the southern branch of the South Stream , is not the end of our plans , as we are working on preparation of the western branch of the South Stream , which would lead to Montenegro, if the state agrees with that. We have a desire to make Montenegro favorable conditions for gas from Serbia, said the Minister.

- If the government of Montenegro is to express interest in a way as it did the Macedonian side, I am ready to make with my associates the spatial plan, in the next year - said Bačević.

The area for gas pipeline South Stream branch towards Montenegro could be prepared at the entrance from Serbia to Montenegro , via Boljare, alongside the highway that should pass from Serbia to Montenegro on that route, said Bačević.