NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy has expressed concern about the Russian side's proposal that Gazprom be excluded from among the signatories to a new gas accord, Naftogaz's press service said.
“The final result of the [gas] talks should be the signing of a legally acceptable agreement, fair to all parties and based on market-oriented rather than political principles. Such an agreement foresees the direct involvement of Gazprom in the signing process and gives Naftogaz legal tools ensuring the implementation of the accord by all parties amid the lack of trust between them,” the company said.
“A document that is acceptable to all the parties should be commercial, and needs to be signed by a representative of Gazprom, without which the parties cannot make an agreement,” it said.
Naftogaz said that on Oct. 7 it sent the European Commission its comments as to the draft protocol of the trilateral Russian-Ukrainian-EU gas talks, which was proposed by European Commission Vice-President, EU Energy Commissioner Gunther Oettinger two weeks ago. Naftogaz also confirmed its readiness to host the next round of the tripartite talks at any time agreed by the parties.
As reported, Oettinger on Thursday, Oct. 9 suggested that the next gas meeting be held in Berlin on Oct. 21.
