President held press conference in Moscow

During his press conference in Moscow President Viktor Yushchenko informed that according to the agreement resulting from today’s talks with Russian side, Ukraine will begin paying off debts for the supplied gas on February 14. “Payments will begin on Thursday. We are to complete them in the nearest future,” Yushchenko said. He also expressed gratitude to all parties who contributed to settling the situation. Noting that Ukrainian side expects to pay a corresponding 2007 year price for the 2007 supplied gas, the President added that for 2008 the sides agreed to keep current price equal to 179 dollars for one thousand cubic meters.

As to Naftogaz of Ukraine – Gazprom relations Viktor Yushchenko informed that both companies are agreed to create a working group within next few days which will focus on preparing simpler and more transparent scheme of gas supplying. “In that field we had very prolific talks. Both Naftogaz of Ukraine and Gazprom of Russia were given corresponding assignments. I think that within next few days we will see these propositions to be brought to life”, President Yushchenko said.