OREANDA-NEWS. March 04, 2013. Ukraine is interested in participation of European partners in modernization of Ukrainian GTS. It was stated by the President at the final press conference.

“I am confident that if our European partners to whom we are supplying gas express a desire to participate in modernization of GTS we will be glad to consider such an opportunity,” the Head of State noted.

“We want to find a model of cooperation that would be comfortable for everyone. It is essential for Europe to be confident that Ukrainian GTS will never stop, that no one will shut it off, that gas will be supplied in necessary volume,” the President said.

Viktor Yanukovych noted that Ukraine also continued to hold negotiations with Russia on that issue. “Russia is ready to invest in GTS modernization together with Ukraine. Does Russia want to become an owner of Ukrainian GTS? Probably. But the owner is Ukraine and we are offering our conditions. Our proposal is simple: GTS remains in state property. Nobody sells or transmits it,” the President said.

The Head of State emphasized: “Ukrainian GTS must remain in state property but it can be rented to enterprise. The enterprise rents a pipe, ensures the volume of gas transmission and modernization of the system. We want Ukrainian GTS to work reliably, to be technically modernized and to supply as much gas to Europe as possible,” the President noted.

Viktor Yanukovych also stressed that demonopolization of gas market in Ukraine was another topical issue. “We are working over this issue. I am sure that the state must take care of its population and supply gas to people and utility companies. Let big industrial companies buy gas where they can. For this end, we must diversify sources of gas supply,” the President said.