The negotiations between Russia and Ukraine over the gas price should not lead to disruptions in gas shipments to Europe, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, European Commission Vice President Catherine Ashton have said.
“It’s important that the on-going talks between Ukraine and Russia on lowering the price for gas do not undermine Ukraine’s compliance with Energy Community Treaty commitments, nor threaten the delivery of gas to Europe. We’re paying particular attention to this… We made it clear that the ongoing discussions between Russia and Ukraine concerning the price and volumes of gas must not lead to a situation in which deliveries of gas to the EU could be threatened,” representatives of the European Commission said in an interview with the Razumkov Centre published on Friday.
When asked to comment on the relations between Ukraine and Russia, Barroso and Ashton said these relations should be based on respect for the independence, sovereignty, integrity and the legitimate interests of both countries.
“We have talked about this consistently with both Kyiv and Moscow. It is not up to the EU to make predictions or assessments of the relationship between Ukraine and Russia. We believe that following the above mentioned principles, looking for mutual benefit and working based on one’s own interests and values, this relationship can develop in a manner which strengthens positive dynamics in the region, which will be beneficial for Europe as a whole.
