Russian-Ukrainian gas deals could be revised only if this is mutually beneficial - Medvedev
DONETSK. Oct 18 (Interfax) - Russia could revise its gas contracts with Ukraine only if this is mutually beneficial, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said.
"We have an effective contractual basis with our Ukrainian partners; whether it is ideal or not, it does exist and has to be observed. Can this basis be amended? Surely, if the parties agree on this and if we believe that this is mutually beneficial," Medvedev said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych in Donetsk.
The heads of the Ukrainian national energy provider Naftogaz and the Russian gas giant Gazprom are looking for options, Medvedev said. "I hope they could find some ways for cooperation that would be beneficial, transparent, and legally correct both for Ukraine and for Russia," he said.
"They have been tasked with working out a modern and mutually beneficial gas cooperation formula designed for years ahead," Medvedev said. "I hope they will solve this problem. When they solve this problem, we will have grounds to gather everyone, announce the results and, if need be, attend the procedure of signing relevant documents," he said.
