KIEV, January 6 (RIA Novosti) - Ukraine will present its version of the intergovernmental agreement with Russia on natural gas supply and transit by January 16, Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuriy Yekhanurov said Friday.
The two countries have agreed that gas will be transported up to the Ukrainian border by a company chosen by Russia. The gas will be received on the border by a Russian-Ukrainian joint venture, which will be invested in by the Ukrainian government. Its management will be appointed by Ukraine.
Yekhanurov also said that all rationing of gas for the Ukrainian population has been stopped.
"I have already given instructions to lift limits on the use of gas by the population. And if any of the local authorities do not fulfill these instructions, and Ukrainians remain without heating in their homes, these authorities will be subject to firm sanctions, including dismissal," he said.
The population will pay $45 per 1000 cubic meters, the premier said.
"This price is based on the fact that the president and the government consider gas supply to the population to be an issue of social security," Yekhanurov said, adding that the population will receive mainly Ukrainian gas.
The price of gas for industrial producers will be set "depending on the level of energy use, and will be differentiated."
The minister also said, "Russia was and remains our key partner. Moreover, we appreciate our Russian colleague's successive clear demonstration of how to defend national interests. We will be attentive students."
Yekhanurov thanked Ukrainian citizens on behalf of the government for supporting the authorities during the complex and tense talks process with Russia.
