Russian Leader Spearheads Myanmar Oil and Gas Project

A Russian reader of Jotman.com has compiled an interesting report from the Kalmyk Republic (Kalmykia) -- it's a story with implications for Southeast Asia:

A Russian oil and gas company "Kalmneftegaz" controlled by Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, a controversial (a very moderate expression!) president of the World Chess Federation and leader of the Kalmyk Republic in the Russian Federation acquires a 50% stake in the Khukon valley oil and gas project of Myanmar state-owned MOGE energy company, the Kommersant reports. The Myanmar deal was made possible with the assistance of a Singapore-based company, Silver Way Energy, controlled by some Min Min Aun who is allegedly closely affiliated with Myanmar military circles. Details of the deal are obscure, apparently Silver Wave and the Kalmyk Rrepublic's officials created a joint stock venture registered in the British Virgin Islands. Mr. Ilyumzhinov claims the idea to enter an oil and gas project in Myanmar was inspired by the religious bonds of the Kalmyk Republic and Myanmar -- most Kalmyks are Buddhists, albeit nominally. (source: Kommersant)

Our Russian reader notes that Western media sources contain no reports about about this deal.