"Any  Russian  move  always causes a negative reaction, so I do not rule out  the  possible  discussion of the gas OPEC at the G-8 summit in Germany," he said.

Russia  has  one  lucid answer: it is a question of closer and more efficient global dialogue, Khristenko said. "Before voicing any fears or accusing  Russia,  they should share opinions and have a calm dialogue," he said.

Russia"s  intensified  dialogue  with  gas exporters aims at common understanding  of  ways  to  conduct  dialogue  between  gas  consumers, exporters and transit countries, Khristenko said.

Moscow  "is closely following its global energy security initiative approved  at  the  G-8 summit in St. Petersburg last year," the minister said.

The  notion  of global energy security "is broader than oil and gas trade. It  also  includes alternative energy sources, new technology and the reduction of energy poverty," he said.

PIN/INTERFAX