President Victor Yushchenko met today with Ambassadors of G-7 countries and head of delegation of the European Commission to Ukraine.
At the meeting sides discussed internal political and economic situation in Ukraine, international relations, particularly Ukrainian-Russian gas relations and gas transit to Europe, cooperation between Ukraine and G-7 countries, etc.
Speaking about the situation in Ukraine President Yushchenko expressed expectancy that 2009 State Budget would be approved before the end of the year.
“We have only one option – to begin on Thursday the professional discussion on that in the Parliament, take into account suggestions by local authorities, central institutions, to introduce substantial alterations to reforms package and to approve 2009 Budget”, - said Victor Yushchenko adding also that currently all discussions on the budget are of rather political than economic nature.
Making comments on the situation with gas transit to Europe President said that “Ukraine guarantees uninterrupted transit of energy resources to Europe including supplies of Russian gas”.
Victor Yushchenko informed that for now the underground storages contain 30 billion cubic meters of gas and at least one half of the amount is intended for stabilization of supplies to European countries.
Beside that President Yushchenko expressed assurance that in the nearest future the agreement on gas supplies in 2009 between Naftogaz of Ukraine and Gazprom would be signed.
President thanked the Ambassadors of G-7 countries for their efforts in develoment of relations between their countries and Ukraine. According to him 50 bilateral agreements, memorandums and reslutions were signed this year. “This means that relations between Ukraine and G-7 countries are developing dynamically”, - said Victor Yushchenko.
He also pointed to positive shifts in Ukraine-EU and Ukraine-NATO dialogue.
