Putin seals South Stream deal with Austria

Austria is the latest country to sign up to the South Stream gas pipeline project. The agreement was sealed on Saturday as Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visited Vienna.

“After South Stream is put into operation, the amount of gas supply to Austria will grow by 2 billion cubic meters per year,” Putin said.

Russia has already reached similar agreements with Bulgaria, Hungary, Greece, Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia and Italy.

The 20 billion-euro project is intended to diversify natural gas supplies from Russia to Europe, and should be completed by 2015.

After business was completed, Russia's black-belt Premier went to the European Judo Championships, which are being held in the Austrian capital.

Putin awarded the medal winners, wishing the athletes good luck and telling them his favorite martial art combines a battle of both style and philosophy.