Ukraine PM rules out Russia gas "war"
* Fresh round of talks starts from Jan. 15
* Ukraine wants lower price for Russian gas
KYIV Jan 13 (Reuters) – Ukraine and Russia will avoid
a gas showdown that could disrupt energy supplies to Europe,
Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said on Friday after the
sides argued publicly over gas contract terms, Interfax news
agency reported.
Previous rows between the ex-Soviet neighbours have briefly
halted deliveries of Russian gas to European customers. An angry
exchange between Kyiv and Moscow on 2012 supply volumes this
week prompted fears of a repeated war.
But Azarov played down such risks.
“Why should we fight a war with our Russian brothers?”
Interfax quoted Azarov as saying on the eve of a fresh round of
gas talks with Russia in Moscow.
“We are not even talking about it and never will.”
“Of course, both of us have economic interests. They have a
very good agreement and are holding to it with both hands. And
we are telling them that there is also real life. We will reach
an agreement,” Azarov said.
Ukraine, which depends heavily on Russian gas supplies for
its industry and utilities sector, has been trying
unsuccessfully for over a year to persuade Moscow to review a
2009 deal which it says sets an exorbitant price for gas.
Continued…