Italy, Europe 'won't freeze', Russian ambassador says

(ANSA) - Turin, September 25 - Italy and Europe are not going to freeze this winter as a result of interruptions to gas supplies caused by the ongoing crisis in eastern Ukraine, Russia's ambassador to Italy Sergey Razov said Thursday.
    "Our energy companies are reliable, Italy and Europe won't freeze," said Razov during a seminar organised by credit institution Intesa Sanpaolo and the association Know Eurasia in Turin. "Everyone is concerned about the supply of gas, but it must not be forgotten that Russia guarantees energy security in Europe and, as far as Italy is concerned, has deep trade relations, a long history of partnership that I hope will continue," he said.
    Strained relations between Moscow and Kiev over the ongoing pro-Russia separatist uprising in eastern Ukraine have raised fears of a new 'gas war' between the neighbouring countries, with consequences for supplies to Europe. Russian gas travels to Europe via a pipeline that passes through Ukraine.