The gas conflict between Ukraine and Russia has raised serious
questions about European energy policy. Despite both countries signing
a recent agreement to end the dispute, the EU will be keen to avoid
getting caught up in such a crisis again. Euronews spoke to Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko.
Mr. President, welcome to "euronews". A new conflict between Russia and Ukraine deprived gas to several European countries. What happened?
President Yushchenko: Europe needs to know the truth about what
happened. There's one thing I want to stress: Ukraine did not stop
deliveries. All the transit pumping stations are located on the Russian
side, and it is Russia that's responsible for gas supplies to Europe
being blocked. Secondly, concerning the so-called non-authorised
siphoning off. As the president of Ukraine, I can say, neither in 2008
nor in 2009 was a single cubic metre of gas, destined for Europe, used
by Ukrainians to meet their needs. Once again, I emphasise, Ukraine has
met its pipeline obligations. This isn't just about economics - there
is also a political component as well.
EN: And what is this political dimension exactly?
President Yushchenko: By creating a sense of insecurity around
deliveries of Russian gas via Ukraine, it changes the priority of
certain projects. First of all, Ukraine's gas network becomes more
dependent, and it creates the idea that it will be used by Russia's gas
companies and by the Russian state. In other words, to repeat, what has
been done in the gas transport systems of Moldova and Belarus in recent
years. Obviously, there exists a similar plan for the Ukrainian gas
transport system to be put under the control of Gazprom. For us this is
unacceptable. It is a national resource, a national wealth, if your
want. It is the embodiment of our independence, in this case - energy
independence.
EN: The European Commission President has described Russia as an
unreliable gas supplier and Ukraine an unreliable transporter. Is that
a fair assessment?
President Yushchenko: It would be wrong for me to comment on what
President Barroso has said. I simply want to remind you that Ukraine
has not done anything that would restrict the supply of Russian gas. In
other words, Europe has become a hostage to Russian politics. It's
blackmail - the blackmail of the European community to go along with
what Russia wants.
EN: Are you not afraid that the gas crisis will have a negative impact on future cooperation between Ukraine and the EU?
President Yushchenko: No. I am convinced that already this year,
that Ukraine will sign an agreement on reunification of energy systems.
I am confident that this year we will sign up to a treaty on energy
partnership. I am convinced that the Brussels conference, which will be
held in March, will be a good place for reflection on the integration
of Ukraine's transport capabilities in the European gas market.
After a long dispute, the contract on gas supplies to Ukraine was signed. You said it was not profitable for Ukraine. Why?
President Yushchenko: I call it non-partnership. I will go over it
again. The adoption of the basic formula for the price of gas at 450
dollars - is not objective. In Europe today, a price at this level
doesn't exist. Ukraine finds itself being the shortest route for
Russian gas deliveries. And the price we have today is higher than the
price for certain western European countries. That is why this price is
incorrect. Not in the sense that it is high, but in the sense that it
is badly established. The second thing, is transit policy. The tax for
transiting gas for Russia has not changed. It's 1.7 dollars per
thousand cubic metres over a 100km. Its the lowest transit price in
Europe.
EN: Are you going to insist on the review of these agreements, if you do not like the price?
President Yushchenko: We're not in the process of talking. We
recognise these agreements and we will meet them. At the same time I
hope the work of the European Commission, which - thanks to the
modernisation of the gas transit system from Ukraine, and its
integration into a single gas market in Europe - will equally provide
details on the implementation of delivery projects. This will enable
the best and rational use of Ukraine's gas transport system.
EN: The high price of gas could have an impact on the economic
situation in Ukraine. Has this conflict and the high price influenced
the political situation inside Ukraine?
President Yushchenko: I'm not going to hide the fact that various
political forces have attempted to use the gas issue, by speculating.
But, I don't think that is the most important thing. I believe the
incident, which occurred between Ukraine, Europe and Russia in early
January, has unified Ukrainian society. People were able to see the
fragility of economic stability, which is based on energy
diversification, particularly in gas policy.
EN: Thank you for this interview, Mr President.
President Yushchenko: Thank you.
EuroNews
