Lee says Russia gas pipeline project could proceed 'faster than expected'

SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Myung-bak said Thursday that a massive gas pipeline project involving Russia and the two Koreas could move forward "faster than expected" as it would benefit all sides involved.
"North Korea and Russia are in talks and we are also in talks with Russia. There will be a point where the three parties reach an agreement. I think it will proceed faster than expected," Lee said during a panel discussion televised live nationwide. "It will be great if the project materializes."
The ambitious project to build a transnational pipeline shipping Siberian natural gas to South Korea via the communist North has gained momentum in recent weeks after North Korean leader Kim Jong-il discussed the project with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev during his trip to Russia last month.
The two sides said later that they agreed to set up a joint committee to push for the project.
Russia's presidential envoy to the Far East Federal District, Viktor Ishaev, also said that the North's leader agreed to permit the envisioned pipeline to go through its territory if Russia and South Korea sign a contract on the project, according to a news report.