Eurasian Daily Moniter reports that the recent meeting between the leaders of Russia and Turkmenistan is part of Russia’s broader policy of exploiting disagreements over energy within the EU states. There are large discrepancies in the amount of gas recieved from Russia within the EU and a consummate lack of agreement as to how to deal with Russia. In Turkmenistan, Russia is buying up nearly all available gas contracts while neglecting to build the East-West pipeline until the Caspian line is built, so as to torpedo any Western hopes of a Trans-Caspian line. However, no explanation is offered as to why the Caspian line has not been built when it involves three willing states and an easy route.
