MOSCOW - Russia on Friday rejected accusations it was using its vast natural resources as a weapon for "energy imperialism," with a top minister saying Moscow was not guilty of trying to manipulate neighbours.
"Many accuse Russia of... energy imperialism. Earlier we threatened everyone militarily, whereas now, it seems, we threaten everyone with our energy resources and allegedly tie their hands," Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov said, news agency Interfax reported.
"We are not tying anyone's hands," said Ivanov, a former defence minister widely seen as a potential successor to President Vladimir Putin in 2008.
In recent months Russia has been accused by the United States and other Western countries of using its energy resources as a political weapon.
Western Europe suffered gas shortfalls at the start of 2006 when Russian gas monopoly Gazprom cut off supplies to Ukraine due to a pricing dispute with the ex-Soviet republic.
Energy security is expected to be a key topic next week at discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Western counterparts at the G8 summit in Germany.
06/01/2007 16:43 GMT