MOSCOW

Russia would consider giving financial aid to Greece if Athens requests it, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said.

Lavrov said at a press conference in Moscow on Wednesday: "Russia is not in a very easy financial situation at the moment due to the unilateral illegitimate line of our Western colleagues.

"But if any appeal from the government of Greece should come, then ... it will of course be considered."

Lavrov's comments came as the newly-elected government of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras remains mired in a dispute with Germany over the repayment of Greece's public debt, of which Germany is the largest holder.

The Greek government has refused to comply with the demands of its international creditors, but without aid from the international bailout, Greece will run out of public funds on Feb. 28. 

 'Good prospects'

Lavrov also mentioned that he had discussed the new Turkish Stream natural gas pipeline with his Greek counterpart, Nicos Kotzias.

He said: "We discussed bilateral cooperation in the field of energy, taking into account the interest shown by the Greek government in plans to build a gas pipeline from Russia to Turkey and to the Greek border.

"We believe that this project has very good prospects."

The project is intended to replace the previously planned South Stream pipeline project which was to carry natural gas to Europe via the Balkan region.

South Stream was canceled due to objections from the EU over its construction, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin.