You're reading: Miller: Gazprom open to compromises, but contract with Ukraine in effect to 2019

Moscow, Sept. 27 (Interfax) - Gazprom is open to a search for compromises, but until the achievement and signing of a final agreement with Ukraine, the existing long-term contract will remain in effect until 2019, Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller told reporters.

Earlier on Tuesday, Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov announced that his country would begin to import gas from Russia at a new price starting after New Year’s, and that the price for gas transiting to Europe would also change.

Asked about the negotiations with Ukraine, Miller said, "The controlling stock interest in Gazprom belongs to the government, and we are implementing all intergovernmental agreements, but they should be taken to their logical conclusion and handled in the proper way."

"At the present time there is in effect between Gazprom and Naftogaz [Ukrainy] a contract for the transit and delivery of gas until 2019. We are working strictly according to this contract, and there are no other documents or agreements today," Miller said.

"Gazprom is open to dialog and the search for compromises. We are awaiting a Ukrainian delegation for negotiations this week," the Gazprom chief said.

Asked about the creation of a consortium to manage Ukraine’s gas-transport system, Miller responded, "That idea is not a priority."