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Ukraine to continue protecting its interests in gas talks with Russia

Yanukovich said that mindful of the high gas cost, the country was forced to cut its consumption, though it was a painful measure

KIEV, February 25 (Itar-Tass) — The gas talks with Russia are going on with great difficulties, but Ukraine will continue protecting its national interests, said President Viktor Yanukovich, speaking live over Ukrainian television on Friday.

“When we defend our position -- nobody likes it. Russia is no exception. It’s always difficult to hold talks with Russia,” he added. The president noted that earlier at the negotiations the Ukrainian side could not agree with conditions, put forth by Russia, in the belief that they were discriminatory.

Yanukovich said that mindful of the high gas cost, the country was forced to cut its consumption, though it was a painful measure. In the president’s opinion, the cost of Russian gas for Ukraine should be 240-250 US dollars per 1,000 cubic meters, and this is “the most just price”.

“We believe that a just price is the price for Europe minus gas transit. But they (Eds: Russians) don’t disclose the price for Europe to us. We tell them ‘Show!’, but they duck. I believe that the most just price is 240-250 dollars. No more,” said the head of state.

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FACTBOX: Collective Security Treaty Organization

The Collective Security Treaty came into force on April 20, 1994 to herald the emergence what would eventually become the Collective Security Treaty Organization. The six member-countries are Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan

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