Final Word from Wednesday, March 1, 2006
When Vladimir Putin visits Prague today and tomorrow, he can explain to his Czech friends how the Kremlin's stated policy that energy can and should be used as a political weapon applies to the CR. This policy takes on added significance now that PKN Orlen, with its alleged ties to the East, has bought Unipetrol, and Gazprom has taken ultimate control (as Týden first noted) of Škoda JS. Gazprom is reported to be interested in entering the nuclear-power business, and Škoda JS gives it strategic influence over Czech, Slovak and Ukrainian nuclear plants, as the designer, service-provider and partial manufacturer of their nuclear islands. This strategic position could make Gazprom a frontrunner for buying ČEZ if the government decides to sell it. Whether by design or by accident, it was ČEZ CEO Martin Roman himself who set this situation up when, as CEO of Škoda Holding, he put in motion the sale of Škoda JS to the Russians in 2004. [Czech Republic Temelín Dukovany Jaderné strojírenství Plzeň a.s. Poland]