Moscow - Russia and Ukraine have agreed to hold three-sided gas talks on Sept. 6, but the two are waiting for the European Commission to agree as well, Energy Minister Alexander Novak told journalists.
“On Sept. 6. We are waiting for the European Commission’s response. This (date) is convenient for us and (Ukrainian of Energy and Coal Industry Minister Yuriy) Prodan. Everything depends on the European Commission’s plans. We agreed on this date with Ukraine back in Minsk,” Novak said.
Asked what the likelihood was that the meeting would take place in this timeframe, he said: “I think that it is 80 percent (sure that) it will take place. Everyone is interested in renewing gas shipments so that there are no problems with gas supplies in the winter.”
The parties have not yet determined a location for the meeting. “Where is not important, wherever is convenient for Mr. Oettinger (European Union Energy Commissioner Gunther Oettinger),” Novak told a journalist.
He added that possible locations included Brussels, Berlin and Moscow. The meeting will take place in the Russian capital, however, if Oettinger agrees, Novak said.
In addition, he noted that at a meeting with Oettinger on Sept. 6, the transfer of the acceptance point of Russian gas to European consumers was not discussed.
