In ENGLISH | РУС/УКР
Sign in | Register
Mobile version | Subscription | RSS Archive
KyivPost

Azarov says neither he nor Putin know reasons behind 2009 gas deal

Print version
Aug. 5, 2011, 1:14 p.m. | Politics — by Interfax-Ukraine
SEE ALSO
Mykola Azarov has said he has asked his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin more than once what reasons, in his opinion, caused Ukraine's then Premier Yulia Tymoshenko to sign the 2009 gas exports deal with Russia on terms that were unfavorable to Kyiv. "I have asked Putin this question several times: 'What made you sign this admittedly unfavorable contract with Ukraine?' He told me that he himself does not understand these reasons, and it would be advisable to ask Ukrainian officials themselves how they advocated Ukraine's interests," Azarov said at a court session in Kyiv on Friday.

Azarov said that as soon as his government started to work, it announced plans to review the gas supply deals with Russia.

"As soon as I assumed the prime minister's duties, I studied all of the materials linked to the signing of these agreements between Naftogaz Ukrainy and Gazprom. My aim was to find arguments in favor of reviewing them. We forwarded our arguments to the Russian side and agreed to look for mechanisms that would allow us to review these agreements," Azarov said.
READ MORE IN SECTION
The Kyiv Post is hosting comments to foster lively debate. Criticism is fine, but stick to the issues. Comments that include profanity or personal attacks will be removed from the site. If you think that a posted comment violates these standards, please flag it and alert us. We will take steps to block violators.
Anonymous Aug. 5, 2011, 4:38 p.m.    

Again, I ask, if you, Mr. Prime Minister, knew there was a problem with the gas agreement; then why didn't you make changes a requirement if Russian wanted to extend the Russian fleet lease?

{# <-- parent id goes here
Anonymous Aug. 5, 2011, 7:02 p.m.    

DAMN LIARS! This whole set up is just amazing! Putin criticizes everyone and anyone, then acts like he cannot remember anything -guess his slut girls has him busy! Azarov's head is up everyone' ass so deep that he is just plain stupid. This all smells like the Mafia of Russian and Ukraine are at it again.

{# <-- parent id goes here
Anonymous Aug. 9, 2011, 10:47 a.m.    

Agree !the Mafia of Russian and Ukraine are at it again.

{# <-- parent id goes here
Anonymous Aug. 5, 2011, 5:07 p.m.    

The Yanukovych Administration are amateurs walking on a tightrope when it comes to dealing with the gas contract signed by Russia and Ukraine in 2009. By condemning Yulia Tymoshenko, Vladimir Putin has been placed in the same kettle. Azarov's attempt to tiptoe through the tulips has been sloppy to say the least. He may very well find himself face down in a pile of manure and staring eye to eye with his &quot;good friend&quot; Vladimir Putin.

{# <-- parent id goes here
Advertising link

KyivPost

© 1995–2012 Public Media

Web links to Kyiv Post material are allowed provided that they contain a URL hyperlink to the www.kyivpost.com material and a maximum 500-character extract of the story. Otherwise, all materials contained on this site are protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced without the prior written permission of Public Media at news@kyivpost.com
All information of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency placed on this web site is designed for internal use only. Its reproduction or distribution in any form is prohibited without a written permission of Interfax-Ukraine.