Naftogaz reform is part of Ukraine's commitments to EU - minister
KYIV. Sept 19 (Interfax) - Ukraine's plan to reform its national energy monopoly Naftogaz Ukrainy is part of the country's commitments to the European Union, says Energy and Coal Industry Minister Yury Boiko.
"In fact, the situation is much simpler: starting February 2011, our country will become a full member of the European Energy Community. We have actually joined the European Union in the energy field," Boiko said on Inter television channel early on Saturday.
"The European Union rules, namely the so-called third package, stipulate that [energy] transportation, sales, and production must be separated. This rule has already been adopted in all European Union countries," he said.
In line with this law, Naftogaz must be divided into companies producing, selling, and transporting energy starting January 1, 2012, he said.
"We are simply complying with the obligation we have undertaken," Boiko said.
In the course of negotiations with Russia on the price for gas, Ukraine will not take "any radical steps toward our European partners," he said.
Ukraine will honor all of its commitments to its European partners, he said.