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Ukraine to raise lease charges for Russian fleet

In 2010 Russia and Ukraine extended the deployment of the Black Sea fleet in Sevastopol from 2017 up to 2042

KIEV, November 18 (Itar-Tass) —— As Ukraine so far failed to have Russian gas prices decreased it “recommended” local self-government in Crimea to raise the charges for the lease of lands by the Russian Black Sea fleet deployed on the peninsula.

Prime Minister Nikolai Azarov signed a resolution placed on the government website on Thursday urging local authorities to revalue land plots used by the fleet and establish the lease payments at 3 percent in 2013 and 4 percent in 2014.

In 2010 Russia and Ukraine extended the deployment of the Black Sea fleet in Sevastopol from 2017 up to 2042. Lease payments from 2017 will comprise 100 million US dollars a year plus additional proceeds due to discounted prices for Russian gas.

The government instructed the finance ministry to calculate subsidies to corresponding Crimean territories according to a new formula “upon agreeing land inventory documents with the Russian side.”

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