Until the end of quarter 1, 2014 State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) had to start working in Greece, but it did not happen. The second quarter has passed and there have been no changes as well. The recent visit of Azerbaijani President to Greece has also not affected this process. No public statements have been made.
What is happening? A year ago SOCAR has won the open international tender for the right to own the gas distribution network of Greece.
A source from the government told Caspian Barrel that on December 21, 2013 SOCAR signed the agreement with the Greek Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF) and Petroleum company to buy 66% shares of DESFA (operator of the Greek national gas distribution network).
According to the results of the bids invited by HRADF earlier, the sides have signed the agreement to buy-purchase shares and the agreement on the shareholders.
“The agreements will enter into force only after their approval by General Directorates of the European Commission for Energy and Anti-Monopoly Policy,” said the same source.
Thus, what is happening now should be considered within the context of the relationships between Greece and EU.
