MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentine gas crisis: formal Chilean complaint

The Chilean government sent a formal letter of complaint to Argentina expressing its grievance over what it considers a breach of the 1995 Gas Integration Protocol, said this Tuesday Chilean Foreign Affairs Minister Soledad Alvear.

The letter of complaint follows the signing last week by Argentine president Nestor Kirchner of a decree restricting the export of surplus natural gas, including Chile. The cut is equivalent to 14% of the Argentine daily gas supply to Chile.

Last Saturday Chilean president Ricardo Lagos said that the Argentine decision had an impact in mutual confidence and consequently described relations as a "bit shredded".

Minister Alvear talking to journalists in Santiago said that there's "growing concern" in La Moneda (Chile's government house) because the gas issue has "stained" bilateral relations.

In the complaint letter sent to Argentine Ambassador in Santiago Mr. Carlos Abihaggle, Chile explains the consequences of the gas restriction decree signed by President Kirchner and the need to honour accords.

Ms. Alvear added that there are mechanisms "to solve controversies", but gave no clues about further actions of Chilean diplomacy, "we have to wait and see the Argentine reply".

"We're concerned. We believe the natural gas issue has stained our relations. Today we've delivered a diplomatic letter to the Argentine Ambassador and have also contacted the Deputy Argentine Foreign Secretary to inform him about the letter", said Ms. Alvear.

This was the first formal Chilean diplomatic complain after several days of statements from Chilean government officials complaining about the Argentine decision ignoring export commitments.

Chilean business organizations believe that a political understanding would be preferable and more effective in solving the issue than appealing to controversy solving mechanisms.

"We hope we can find a quick solution. We've always been next to Argentina, even in the most difficult moments. We know they are going through a complex energy crisis but we are demanding that the proportionality principle be respected, as figures in the Gas Integration Protocol", stressed Ms. Alvear.