Ukraine’s strategically important gas transport system is our
national asset and cannot be given to any foreign country, Secretariat Chief of
Staff Viktor Baloha told a press conference on Wednesday.
He said the government would never exchange a stake of the gas
transport network for a chance to explore gas fields abroad but added that Kyiv
was ready to consider proposals on international energy cooperation.
“Ukraine wants to use its gas transport system and transit
capabilities as effectively as possible,” he said, adding that the cabinet must
carefully analyze Russia’s proposals to use Ukraine’s capabilities.
Baloha said he had discussed the issue with Prime Minister
Yanukovych, whose cabinet has to submit their proposals to the President by the
end of the day.
“These proposals should be considered by experts and approved
by the National Security Council,” he said.
As energy dependent country, Ukraine is interested in
diversifying energy supplies, which is one of the components of our energy
independence, he said.
“Ukraine must search for new ways of building international
energy relations, including forging closer ties with Russia."
