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MOSCOW - Ukraine still insists on setting up a tripartite consortium to modernize its gas transportation system, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych said.

"Our goal is the establishment of a gas transportation consortium between Ukraine, Russia and Europe, and it remains to be such. We believe that we are unable to modernize this system [the gas transportation system] on our own," Yanukovych told Ukrainian journalists in Moscow on May 15.

Russia remains the main partner for Ukraine, but nevertheless, Ukraine is negotiating with other countries on diversifying energy supplies, he said.

"We are working, for instance, with Turkmenistan, we are also working with Azerbaijan, and we are seeking such opportunities. Why? Because we are unhappy with the price for Russian gas. And this is quite natural," Yanukovych said.

As soon as Ukraine receives "a normal price," there will be no longer necessary to appeal to other countries, he said.

"But the current situation is driving us into a corner – I am not saying it’s a dead end, but we have to seek diversification. When the sources of gas supplies are diversified, then we can choose a better price. But we are not parting with our partners today, and they understand very well in what position we are now. We just don’t have the money to pay for such expensive gas," Yanukovych said.

Russia is also interested in selling "more gas" to Ukraine, he said.

"The more the better. That is, our interests may coincide to some extent here as well," Yanukovych said.