Belgrade - Russian energy giant Gazprom completed the purchase of a majority stake in the Serbian oil monopoly NIS Monday by wiring 400 million euros (512 million dollars) to Belgrade.
Serbia and Gazprom agreed the sale of 51 per cent of the NIS capital a year ago, but the deal was delayed by early elections in Serbia, as well as a strife within the new ruling coalition.
Economy Minister Mladjan Dinkic had criticized the deal as unfavourable for Serbia, but his objections faded as the financial crisis began taking its toll in Serbia.