Text of report citing "Reporters' Club" headlined "Energy minister: 10 power plants to be privatized by year end" published by Iranian newspaper Resalat on 27 September Minister of Energy Parviz Fattah said: "The ministry plans to privatize 10 power plants by the end of the year [20 March 2009], either through auction or the stock market.

Russia and Venezuela say they intend to set up an oil and gas consortium between Gazprom and Petroleos de Venezuela.

MOSCOW. Sept 22 (Interfax) - A decision on building a Chinese extension of the East Siberia - Pacific Ocean (ESPO) oil pipeline may be made soon at negotiations with China, Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko told the media after the Monday meeting of the federal government presidium.

DUSHANBE. Aug 29 (Interfax) - Russia was and remains a reliable supplier of energy to Europe, regardless of the political relations between various nations, Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko said on Friday.

ASHGABAT. July 4 (Interfax) - The new head of Russian hydrogenerating company OJSC GidroOGK or RusHydro will be appointed in the next two weeks, Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko told Interfax.