Russian Federation, Ukraine and the EU went to the negotiations on the signing of an interim agreement on gas in a trilateral format. This was reported by the press secretary of the Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation Olga Golant.
«Meeting in the trilateral format started 10 minutes ago,» — she said. Earlier meetings were held in the Russia-EU and EU-Ukraine.
Earlier today, Energy Minister Alexander Novak said that during today’s meeting, the parties shall fix the Milan gas agreements.
October 17 theme settlement gas dispute with Ukraine has become a major in the course of negotiations in Milan at the summit ASEM Russian President Vladimir Putin and the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande.
Following the results of the bilateral meeting of Russian and Ukrainian delegations outlined the following parameters compromise: Ukraine is obliged to pay 1.45 billion dollars to repay existing debt until the end of October and another 1.65 billion dollars — up to the end of 2014. In addition, the agreed time price 385 dollars per thousand cubic meters 1, on which will be delivered in the winter on a prepaid basis. For the procurement of gas in Ukraine prepaid mode should work together with the European Commission before the end of the year to find the financial resources of approximately $ 1.6 billion in the form of a bridge loan or guarantee from the first-class financial institutions.
However, on 20 October in Luxembourg meeting of EU foreign ministers did not discuss the question of the allocation of additional funds Ukraine, said, answering a question TASS, Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn.
«We did not discuss this issue,» — he said. «Ukrainians have no money to pay for gas. Russian want to get their money, and must pay the European Union? «- Continued Asselborn.
«I can understand that the Russian side has the right to pay a fair price. I do not think that the IMF or any other international institution can pay for Russian gas, but I understand that the principle of paying a fair price should be observed. That is why we are in the tripartite talks, «- he concluded.
Earlier today, a European source confirmed Tass that «the Commission has received a request of the Ukrainian side for an additional short-term financial assistance.» At the same time he did not specify his specific amount.
In his final statement on Ukraine, the EU Council stressed that the achievement of the Interim Agreement of Russia-Ukraine-EU gas is critical to ensure the supply and transit of fuel in the winter. «The Council (EC) stressed the need for all parties to urgently reach an agreement on the basis of the protocol proposed at the last tripartite meeting. The achievement of such interim agreement, as well as an urgent long-term measures to improve energy efficiency in Ukraine are critical to ensure security of supply and transit (gas) in the winter, «- the document says.
Source: TASS
