Ukraine gas row hits EU supplies

BBC News ^ | 1/01/2006

[Lukasz]

Well another case that bothers me is that the Russians are excluding Norwegian Salmon from their markets.

Well, it is another great example of the Kremlin’s hypocrisy. Norwegian Salmon is pretty popular fish in Poland especially during the different kind of holidays. So during the last two weeks I had few occasions to taste it and it was delicious as always. :)

[kaiser80]

So during the last two weeks I had few occasions to taste it and it was delicious as always. :)

Aren't you scared of being poisoned?? /sarcasm

[GarySpFc]

Of course Ukraine is right - Russia is reneging on a contracted price that is in effect until 2009

Over and over we have asked you to provide a link to the contract you quote. Indeed, you always avoid providing it. In the interim Russian sources deny what you state.

[spanalot]

Read and weep gary,

http://www.regnum.ru/english/568366.html

[GarySpFc]

The Russians offered gas at $160 per 1000 cu meters, AND to help pay for the increase offered to increase the transit fees from $1.00 to $1.75. The Ukranians DEMANDED $3.00 and have even asked $5.00 at one point. At the $3.00 rate the Ukraine would be getting Russian gas for free. I recognize it as their right to ask this much. However, a large part of the problem is the Ukraine has been guilty of siphoning off gas for years, and reselling it to the EU at market rates. That is how Yulia Tymoshenko made her $11.5 billion. Hopefully, this will be settled in the near future, but everyone needs to recognize there are two sides to this story.

[GarySpFc]

Provide a link to the contract, please?

[spanalot]

http://www.orangerevolution.us/blog/_archives/2005/12/27/1524272.html

[VeniVidiVici]

I can't find the contract. Only refs to the original signed in 2002 and modified in 2004.

The only sticking point seems to be that Russia says the contract is to be renegotiated every year. I can find that in nothing I have read.

So there is indeed a contract but remains to be seen what is actually in it.

Quite honestly I could care less who is right or wrong here. I find it quite amusing that Russia would go after an "ally".

Though I wish Putin would be a closer ally in the war on terror and would stand against China, Iran and Syria, can anyone really blame the old satellite countries for wanting to make other friends after their centuries old tumultuous relationship with Russia?

[GarySpFc]

Read and weep gary,

[GarySpFc]

Another lie. That is not a copy of the contract, but an article mouthing your points.

[GarySpFc]

Read and weep gary,

http://www.regnum.ru/english/568366.html

Everyone please take a look at Spanalot's link to the so-called contract. It has not one thing to do with the Russian-Ukranian contract, but an article dealing with the discussion of the Ukraine purchasing gas from the Turkmen, which they neglected to do, and Gazprom accepted.

[spanalot]

Gary,

This is the Ukrainian Priome Minister's interview and the facts are cooborated by others:

A tough one to lose for Putie

PS - why isn't he going for arbitration as the contract specifies? Maybe he does not have a case?

That's why he has to rattle his saber like a fool.

---
Mirror Weekly interviewed PM Yekhanurov.

Excerpts

Now the main thing. Will there be gas in Ukraine since January 1, 2006?

- I believe that the contract will be carried out and the gas will be supplied. But… we will still be conducting nervous negotiations.

- You mean the gas will be supplied despite the unfinished bargaining?

- As a matter of fact there is a contract between Naftogas of Ukraine and Gasprom of Russia on volume and conditions of transit of Russian natural gas through the territory of Ukraine for the period between 2003 and 2013. It is currently in effect. I cannot imagine how a public company bound by contract obligations can refuse to fulfill them. I asked the deputy head of Gasprom, Oleksandr Riazanov, during our negotiations in Moscow on December 19 in the presence of the head of the Russian Cabinet Mikhail Fradkov: “Is the contract effective?” And he said: “Yes.”

- Then why do the Russians say that they will stop contract supplies of gas to Ukraine on January 1, 2006?

- One can always find a reason to make a statement. But in article 14 of this contract it is clearly stated that: “This contract comes in effect on January 1, 2003… It remains effective until 10 am on January 1, 2014.” And one more thing: “During the period between 2005 and 2009 the Customer (Gasprom) will sell annually natural gas at the price of 50 US dollars for 1000 cubic meters, which is not subject to change by the parties, from the gas transportation services of Russian natural gas through the territory of Ukraine to ensure the gas balance of Ukraine.”

- What do you think of possible arbitration with Gasprom?

- “Any disputes about these contract or as a result of it are subject to examination and final settlement in the Arbitration Institution of the Chamber of Commerce in the city of Stockholm.” (This is Article 12 of the contract). I am not afraid of possible arbitration. Ukraine has already had a positive experience of arbitration. So if we have to appeal, we know what to do and where to go.

[lizol]

Yeah!!!

STOP GAS TRANSIT THROUGH UKRAINE!!!

TRANSIT IT TROUGH ATMOSPHERE !!!

Or suspend Russian economy - as export of gas and oil keeps it running.

[lizol]

You may "like" this (sarcasm)

[lizol]

Poland is paying $160 for Russian gas today.
So what percent of the "market price" is that and to what level Russia is subsidizing beloved Poland?

[lizol]

Well another case that bothers me is that the Russians are excluding Norwegian Salmon from their markets. The reason being that our fish is too polluted. Down in Singapore they found our Salmon to be perfectly healthy.

It's exactly like with Polish meat, vegetables, flowers and wood.

Russians banned those goods from their market, considering them as not meeting Russian health and hygienic standards.

They meet EU standards, are good for the French, Brits, Germans, Portugese, etc., but not for the Russians?

LOL

[kaiser80]

They meet EU standards, are good for the French, Brits, Germans, Portugese, etc., but not for the Russians?

Maybe russian alergy to anything Polish is being officially recognized?? If so, many Russians can die of anaphylactic shock. /sarcasm

[Mazepa]

Haven't been here in a while. Just sobbered up :-)

[lizol]

Mhm, I know what you mean.

Felt the same pain yesterday :-)))

[Mazepa]

What for on earth I need those "hohols"?
What would you katsapy do without us?

We in Moscow don't know what to do with illegals and protitutes from Ukraine.
The number of Ukrainian hookers in Russia is overrated- a nice myth for bolster the Russian ego. White ladies entertaining semi-Asians- that kind of thought.

Teach them not to steal please.
Hypocrisy- you steal the Turkmeni gas.