When Ivanov was in DC a couple of weeks ago, he mentioned that the Balkans were on the table. A few days later, Putin announced all kinds of support for W. At the time, the Russian government web site catalogued a pile of phone calls between Putin and Ivanov on one hand, and the 'Stans, India, Iran, and China on the other.
Russia and Greece have their own Balkans bypass pipeline, a much shorter route between Burgas and Alexandropolis. Perhaps the klintoon pipeline policy of avoiding Russia has changed. On klintoon's watch, the only pipeline deal that got done was by Chevron, who took in Lukoil and Transneft and partners. Therefore the deal got done.
At the time, Condoleeza Rice was on the board of Chevron.
Thanks for the info. You are still the person to ask about these pipeline-pipe*dreams of the USA!!