President Victor Yushchenko made a public statement regarding development of Ukrainian-Russian talks on gas trade.
In the statement President emphasized that on December 30 NJSC ‘Naftogaz of Ukraine’ fully paid for the gas consumed in 2008 including prepayment for December 2008. “Thus Ukraine considers that it met its engagements regarding payments for the gas consumed in 2008”, - said Victor Yushchenko.
President also stressed that despite some doubted Ukraine’s ability to guarantee uninterrupted transit of Russian gas to European countries, these doubts were groundless. “On behalf of Ukraine I would like to say again: Ukraine was, is and will be guaranteeing transit of Russian gas to European consumers” – he said, adding that for Ukraine this obligation is among fundamental.
Victor Yushchenko also urged all parties to talks on conditions of gas trade in 2009 to find consensus and complete the talks in the nearest days, best of all before January 7. Beside that he expressed hope that Russian side would keep to bilateral documents on gas trade conditions, signed in 2008, particularly the agreement between Presidents of Ukraine and Russia and the Memorandum, signed by the Prime Ministers of the two countries.
“The Memorandum foresees yearly proportional increase of both price for gas and transit tariffs during next three years. This is the best answer for our partners in Russia and their partners in Ukraine to adapt to new parameters of the market as soon as possible”, - said Victor Yushchenko.
Addressing Ukrainian citizens, President Yushchenko assured them that there will be no shortages of gas in Ukraine. “This year Ukraine has the largest seasonal reserves of gas in underground storages, that were accumulated in order to provide communal and private sector”, - he said.
