Medvedev calls on Ukraine to honor 2009 gas deal
Updated: 2011-09-09 16:23
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||||
MOSCOW - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said he hoped Ukraine would stick to its existing gas agreement with Russia despite tension between the two on the issue, according to media reports.
"So far, there's no conflict," Medvedev told Euronews in an interview broadcast early Friday. "Rather there are differences that may lead to various developments."
The Russian president called Ukraine one of Russia's close partners and friends, but said Ukraine "must learn that you can't torpedo existing contracts - even if you don't like them".
"It is completely unacceptable. All agreements, as long as they are not refuted in court or abandoned by the parties, must be carried out," Medvedev said.
"I hope our partners, our Ukrainian friends will likewise stick strictly to the framework agreement concluded in 2009," he said.
Meanwhile, Medvedev reiterated that Russia was "willing to discuss various cooperation schemes" with Ukraine, including "advanced plans" based on Ukraine's integration into the Customs Union.
The Ukrainian government has long urged Russia to review the existing gas pricing formula, but the two sides have not yet reached consensus on the issue.
Medvedev said last week Ukraine might get discounts for gas if it joined the Customs Union, which groups Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan. But Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said Kiev wanted no discount but a fair contract.
Related Stories
First Sino-Russia drill held in Heilongang 2011-09-08 21:27
India and Russia keen to make the most of debut 2011-09-08 08:09
BP chief to join Cameron on Russia visit 2011-09-06 22:35
Russia to make new hockey team after plane crash 2011-09-08 22:19
- 11 dead in Central China ferry sinking
- World took a stand after 9/11: Locke
- Birth defects still a challenge
- Inflation eases to 6.2% in August
- Ministry: China to further facilitate investment
- State Council demands spill probe
- Little role of NATO in anti-terrorism
- Internet major source of rumors: poll
Hot Topics
Libya conflict, Gaddafi, Oil spill, Palace Museum scandal, Inflation, Japan's new PM, Trapped miners, Mooncake tax, Weekly photos, Hurricane Irene
Editor's Picks
Paper cranes for Teachers Day |
Full moon and reunions |
2011 NIKE MAG shoes displayed in Hollywood |
Russia mourns hockey players killed in plane crash |
Player power wins the day at US Open |
Wozniacki sets up semis against Serena |