Russian Emergency Situations Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Sept. 22 in Nis that the realization of the energy agreement between Serbia and Russia will begin in two months’ time.

“We have just today [Sept. 22] completed talks on the Serbian Oil Industry (NIS) and we will conclude all technical issues in 60 days. I hope that work will begin on day 61,” said Shoigu at a press conference held at Konstantin Veliki Airport in Nis.

Shoigu spoke with top-level officials in Belgrade, and then visited the Russian specialists who are demining Nis airport of bombs left over from the NATO bombing in 1999 with Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dacic.

Shoigu once again confirmed that the sale of NIS is an integral part of a “great oil and gas agreement” which encompasses several countries through which the South Stream gas pipeline will pass.

In response to whether Russia had ever bought a cheaper oil company anywhere, Shoigu said, “OK, don’t sell if it’s too cheap, you estimated, you gave a price and we said that we accept,” said Shoigu.

The Russian minister said that due to the “aggressive journalist’s question” he also wanted to ask one – “Why has NIS sold Lukoil petrol pumps in Kosovo, which for the last six years it hasn’t been able to approach?”

Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dacic said that it was confirmed by the Serbian government on Sept. 22 that it is not possible to change something which has already been ratified and that Serbia must respect that which has been signed.