President comments on gas agreements

At the end of his official visit to Russia President Viktor Yushchenko communicated with media. President's press office reports.

Answering questions about cooperation between Gazprom and Naftogaz of Ukraine the President said that the joint working group of representatives from both companies will focus on preparing grounds for forming more direct cooperation between Ukraine and Russia in gas area as well as on optimizing gas market.

Viktor Yushchenko also informed that according to yesterday’s agreements, Ukraine will pay off debts for 2007 consumed gas at 2007 prices. “Payments for 2007 will be done by Ukrainian side exclusively based on 2007 prices. The difference equal to nearly 150 million dollars does not correspond with the contracts and agreements,” he said. The 2008 gas price for Ukraine, according to the President, will remain intact equal to 179 dollars for one thousand cubic meters.