PREMIER WILL SEEK RESTRUCTURING OF NAFTOGAZ' DEBT TO GAZPROM

UKRINFORM's photo

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliya Tymoshenko confirmed at today's press conference the presence of the debt of national joint stock company Naftogaz of Ukraine to RosUkrEnergo in the amount of USD 1.072, saying that during the talks with the Russian party, Ukraine will demand restructuring of this debts, as it is impossible to repay it within short terms.

The Prime Minister said that in October 2007 Naftogaz of Ukraine collected from users USD 216 million, which has not so far been transferred to RosUkrEnergo. "Not a single document on where this money went has been found," the Prime Minister stressed. The situation is similar with the indebtedness for November (USD 394 million) and December (USD 462 million).

By January 1, there were no current assets on the accounts of Naftogaz of Ukraine, neither the former government left any agreements or contracts, even with RosUkrEnergo, on the supply of natural gas to Ukraine in 2008. "Currently Ukraine is under severe pressure, as no gas supply documents can be signed," Tymoshenko emphasized.

She called for invitation in Ukraine of representatives of the European Commission to monitor the situation over gas transit to Europe. This visit would confirm to the European community that Ukraine, even in the current difficult conditions, is a reliable partner, fully abiding by its commitments involving the transit of Russian gas to Europe.

The head of government also assured that gas would not be cut off for Ukraine on February 12. "This is not going to happen, I assure you", she said.

As UKRINFORM reported, on February 7, Gazprom announced plans to suspend gas supply to Ukraine on February 11 because of the current and late debts. The general gas debt reached USD 1.5 billion, and Gazprom insists on its immediate repayment.

President Viktor Yushchenko said Gazprom's ultimatum was a respond to the Tymoshenko government's claims to remove the UkrGazEnergo intermediary from the market, and review tariffs on gas transmission via Ukraine.

Viktor Yushchenko addressed a telegram to Prime Minister Yuliya Tymoshenko asking her to take measures to ensure continuous delivery of imported natural gas to Ukraine.

The heads of national joint stock company Naftogaz of Ukraine and Russia's Gazprom natural gas monopoly are planning to discuss in Moscow Monday the terms for the supply of natural gas to Ukraine, and its transit to Europe.

UKRINFORM