Russia Wants to Steer Clear of 'Gas War'

BRUSSELS—Russia wants to avoid a "gas war" with the European Union over its probe of OAO Gazprom and would welcome a negotiated settlement between the energy giant and European authorities, its ambassador to Brussels said Thursday.

"We always favor negotiated solutions because nobody wants a gas war," Russia's EU Ambassador Vladimir Chizhov told The Wall Street Journal in an interview. "If Gazprom acts within the framework of the laws of my country…and reaches some kind of agreement, be it with the Commission, or be it with member states, or be it with European energy companies…I would only welcome it."