Jul 2008
Yulia tymoshenko pleased with approval of amendments to state budget
31 July 2008
Published by BYuT
Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko positively assessed the voting in the Verkhovna Rada on passing the law on introducing amendments to the 2008 budget. This was during a briefing yesterday in the Verkhovna Rada.
“Perhaps for the first time in the last few months the politicum of Ukraine was able to unite to help the people and solve a number of problems that currently exist in the country,” said Yulia Tymoshenko.
The Prime Minister thanked all the deputies for their work in preparing a single draft law and unanimously voting in favor of it. “We obtained resources that will allow us to compensate people’s material losses and fix roads. The fact that the vote was unanimous is significant,” she stressed.
Commenting on the fact that a compromise draft law that took into consideration proposals by the President and opposition was put to vote, the Prime Minister stated that while only the government has the right to submit changes to the budget, most important was the vote approving the budget changes.
“According to the Budget Code, Constitutional Court decision, and law on environmental emergency situations, only the government has the right to introduce amendments and supplements to the budget,” she noted, “But the government believes that our job was to pass amendments to the budget. After we overcome the damage form the natural disaster we will fight against the fact that the political forces are possibly violating the Constitution.”
Tymoshenko also noted that water is receding in Western Ukraine and there are “no reasons for the natural disaster to continue.”
Read More...
Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko positively assessed the voting in the Verkhovna Rada on passing the law on introducing amendments to the 2008 budget. This was during a briefing yesterday in the Verkhovna Rada.
“Perhaps for the first time in the last few months the politicum of Ukraine was able to unite to help the people and solve a number of problems that currently exist in the country,” said Yulia Tymoshenko.
The Prime Minister thanked all the deputies for their work in preparing a single draft law and unanimously voting in favor of it. “We obtained resources that will allow us to compensate people’s material losses and fix roads. The fact that the vote was unanimous is significant,” she stressed.
Commenting on the fact that a compromise draft law that took into consideration proposals by the President and opposition was put to vote, the Prime Minister stated that while only the government has the right to submit changes to the budget, most important was the vote approving the budget changes.
“According to the Budget Code, Constitutional Court decision, and law on environmental emergency situations, only the government has the right to introduce amendments and supplements to the budget,” she noted, “But the government believes that our job was to pass amendments to the budget. After we overcome the damage form the natural disaster we will fight against the fact that the political forces are possibly violating the Constitution.”
Tymoshenko also noted that water is receding in Western Ukraine and there are “no reasons for the natural disaster to continue.”
Read More...
Turchynov, british ambassador discuss investment climate in ukraine
30 July 2008
Published in Interfax
Ukrainian First Vice Premier Oleksandr Turchynov and British Ambassador to Ukraine Leigh Turner have discussed bilateral cooperation, the investment climate in Ukraine and the prospects for developing trade and economic relations.
Turchynov was speaking with Turner during a meeting in Kyiv on Monday, the first vice premier's press service has reported.
Speaking about Ukraine's investment climate, Turchynov said that foreign investments are necessary for the development of the Ukrainian economy.
"The government will do everything so that national and foreign businessmen feel confident in our country," he said.
During their meeting, the officials also said that they view mutual relations as a strategic partnership and would do their best to deepen these relations.
Ukrainian First Vice Premier Oleksandr Turchynov and British Ambassador to Ukraine Leigh Turner have discussed bilateral cooperation, the investment climate in Ukraine and the prospects for developing trade and economic relations.
Turchynov was speaking with Turner during a meeting in Kyiv on Monday, the first vice premier's press service has reported.
Speaking about Ukraine's investment climate, Turchynov said that foreign investments are necessary for the development of the Ukrainian economy.
"The government will do everything so that national and foreign businessmen feel confident in our country," he said.
During their meeting, the officials also said that they view mutual relations as a strategic partnership and would do their best to deepen these relations.
Gas price formula reached
28 July 2008
Published in
Inform
issue #80
See the full issue here.
Last week, Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko announced that a way forward had been reached with Gazprom on a formula to determine the price of imported natural gas for 2009. The announcement came after talks in Kyiv with Alexei Miller, CEO of Gazprom and Oleh Dubyna, head of Naftohaz Ukrainy. The final price for gas in 2009 is expected to be announced after Russia’s state-owned gas company completes talks with Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
The Ukrainian premier declared, “We have found an approach for pricing for next year. We have agreed on a formula for setting the price and found a compromise.”
According to Interfax, Mr Miller credited Ukraine with maintaining “very constructive” contacts with Gazprom and said that the two countries had been able to solve, what were deemed recently, “quite difficult” problems.
The news was warmly received in the west as it should avert any repeat of the gas dispute of 2006 which disrupted gas supplies to Western Europe. More than a quarter of the gas supplied to the EU comes from Gazprom, of which about 80 percent is transported via
Ukraine’s pipeline network. And the amount flowing to Europe is increasing. In the first six months of this year, Ukraine transported 65.3 billion cubic metres of natural gas to Europe, up 23 percent year-on-year.
Read More...
See the full issue here.
Last week, Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko announced that a way forward had been reached with Gazprom on a formula to determine the price of imported natural gas for 2009. The announcement came after talks in Kyiv with Alexei Miller, CEO of Gazprom and Oleh Dubyna, head of Naftohaz Ukrainy. The final price for gas in 2009 is expected to be announced after Russia’s state-owned gas company completes talks with Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
The Ukrainian premier declared, “We have found an approach for pricing for next year. We have agreed on a formula for setting the price and found a compromise.”
According to Interfax, Mr Miller credited Ukraine with maintaining “very constructive” contacts with Gazprom and said that the two countries had been able to solve, what were deemed recently, “quite difficult” problems.
The news was warmly received in the west as it should avert any repeat of the gas dispute of 2006 which disrupted gas supplies to Western Europe. More than a quarter of the gas supplied to the EU comes from Gazprom, of which about 80 percent is transported via
Ukraine’s pipeline network. And the amount flowing to Europe is increasing. In the first six months of this year, Ukraine transported 65.3 billion cubic metres of natural gas to Europe, up 23 percent year-on-year.
Read More...
Ukraine is irreplaceable country for european union, ukrainian vice premier hryhoriy nemyria believes
24 July 2008
Published in NRCU
Ukraine is an irreplaceable country for the European Union, if it wants to be a global player, Ukrainian Vice Premier for European and International Integration Hryhoriy Nemyria said commenting on the European integration of Ukraine.
"We have no other alternatives to membership. I have no doubts that one day we will achieve this. In his opinion, attracting a greater number of foreign companies to Ukraine is an urgent task for the country. In addition, it is also necessary to accelerate the implementation of privatization and a court reform to improve Ukraine's investment climate, the vice premier said.
Ukraine is an irreplaceable country for the European Union, if it wants to be a global player, Ukrainian Vice Premier for European and International Integration Hryhoriy Nemyria said commenting on the European integration of Ukraine.
"We have no other alternatives to membership. I have no doubts that one day we will achieve this. In his opinion, attracting a greater number of foreign companies to Ukraine is an urgent task for the country. In addition, it is also necessary to accelerate the implementation of privatization and a court reform to improve Ukraine's investment climate, the vice premier said.
Yulia tymoshenko and angela merkel discuss strategy for deepening bilateral cooperation between ukraine and germany
22 July 2008 Filed in: key stories
Sources: BYuT
Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and German
Chancellor Angela Merkel have agreed to revive
bilateral relations between their two countries.
During her meeting with Merkel, Tymoshenko stated that today Germany is Ukraine’s #1 partner. According to her, this is highlighted by the high level of trade between the two countries and the volume of German investment in the Ukrainian economy.
Yulia Tymoshenko believes that Ukraine has to develop a partnership strategy with Germany, in particular, and the EU as a whole, and determine lines for cooperation on economics, energy and issues related to the creation of a joint defense system in the EU.
“I hope that today’s meeting will give an additional push to our bilateral relations,” underscored the Prime Minister. “We reached an agreement on energy policy that provides for diversification (of energy sources) and energy conservation,” said Tymoshenko after her meeting with Merkel.
In addition, according to Tymoshenko, both sides agreed on “certain pilot projects” in reforming housing and communal services. “For example, in Alchevsk,” she said.
According to Tymoshenko, Merkel offered assistance to Ukraine in fighting HIV/AIDS. Ukraine really needs this help and we agreed that our health ministers will consolidate cooperation in this area,” said Tymoshenko.
In addition, Yulia Tymoshenko promised that the Ukrainian government will quickly solve the problems related to returning all premises to the Lutheran Church. Angela Merkel stated that she sees no alternatives to Ukraine’s successful path of development.
She noted that Germany and Ukraine are good partners, especially with regard to foreign economic activities. “Germany is ready to provide Ukraine with active support and conclude new agreements between our countries,” underscored Merkel.
During her meeting with Merkel, Tymoshenko stated that today Germany is Ukraine’s #1 partner. According to her, this is highlighted by the high level of trade between the two countries and the volume of German investment in the Ukrainian economy.
Yulia Tymoshenko believes that Ukraine has to develop a partnership strategy with Germany, in particular, and the EU as a whole, and determine lines for cooperation on economics, energy and issues related to the creation of a joint defense system in the EU.
“I hope that today’s meeting will give an additional push to our bilateral relations,” underscored the Prime Minister. “We reached an agreement on energy policy that provides for diversification (of energy sources) and energy conservation,” said Tymoshenko after her meeting with Merkel.
In addition, according to Tymoshenko, both sides agreed on “certain pilot projects” in reforming housing and communal services. “For example, in Alchevsk,” she said.
According to Tymoshenko, Merkel offered assistance to Ukraine in fighting HIV/AIDS. Ukraine really needs this help and we agreed that our health ministers will consolidate cooperation in this area,” said Tymoshenko.
In addition, Yulia Tymoshenko promised that the Ukrainian government will quickly solve the problems related to returning all premises to the Lutheran Church. Angela Merkel stated that she sees no alternatives to Ukraine’s successful path of development.
She noted that Germany and Ukraine are good partners, especially with regard to foreign economic activities. “Germany is ready to provide Ukraine with active support and conclude new agreements between our countries,” underscored Merkel.
Merkel visits kyiv, looks to boost ukraine's integration with europe
21 July 2008
Sources: Kyiv Post, EU Business, & iBYuT
German Chancellor Angela Merkel pledged Monday to boost cooperation with Ukraine.
Merkel was in Kyiv on a one-day visit focusing on a variety of issues including Ukraine's future integration with the European Union. She was meeting with Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko and Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.
Merkel, in Kiev for the first time as chancellor, noted the two nations had close ties.
"We have not only economic but also political contacts. Germany firmly expresses its interest in relations with Ukraine both of economic and political character," Merkel said.
Earlier this year Ukraine was denied a roadmap to membership, mainly because of Germany's opposition. Ukraine was promised it would eventually be welcomed into the alliance but needs further reform.
A new partnership deal is due to be discussed at the next EU-Ukraine summit in France in September.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel pledged Monday to boost cooperation with Ukraine.
Merkel was in Kyiv on a one-day visit focusing on a variety of issues including Ukraine's future integration with the European Union. She was meeting with Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko and Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.
Merkel, in Kiev for the first time as chancellor, noted the two nations had close ties.
"We have not only economic but also political contacts. Germany firmly expresses its interest in relations with Ukraine both of economic and political character," Merkel said.
Earlier this year Ukraine was denied a roadmap to membership, mainly because of Germany's opposition. Ukraine was promised it would eventually be welcomed into the alliance but needs further reform.
A new partnership deal is due to be discussed at the next EU-Ukraine summit in France in September.
Tymosheko government passes stern test
17 July 2008
Published in
Inform
issue #78
See the full issue here.
The government of Prime Minster Yulia Tymoshenko passed its sternest test on Friday by surviving a vote of no-confidence in the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine’s parliament).
The opposition Party of Regions was crest-fallen after it failed to secure the 226 votes needed to trigger the government’s dismissal. Out of the 256 lawmakers registered, 174 voted for the motion. The Party of Regions mustered only two votes outside its 172-strong ranks. These were Viktor Topolov and Yuriy But of the pro-presidential Our Ukraine – People’s Self-Defence (OU-PSD) bloc, who had flouted their party whip. Lawmakers from the Bloc of Yulia Tymoshenko (BYuT), centrist Lytvyn bloc and Communist Party did not vote.
The result was a bitter failure for Viktor Yanukovych, leader of the Party of Regions, who had boasted of having sufficient support to topple the government. Its leaders had been plotting for months to bring down the Tymoshenko government, long before the defection of two lawmakers – Ihor Rybakov from BYuT and Yury But from OU-PSD – who robbed the democratic coalition of its majority.
The pre-text for the vote of no-confidence was the government’s alleged mismanagement of the economy and spiralling inflation. This is despite official statistics, announced last week, that reveal that the government’s anti-inflationary measures are dampening inflation, which at one point topped 30 percent (see article on page three). Furthermore, GDP remains remarkably buoyant at 6.4 percent in the first six months, with foreign direct investment increasing four-fold to UAH 4 billion. Also, the government’s de-shadowing of the economy has increased revenues despite the blockage of privatisations by the State Property Fund.
The plot to unseat the government and form a grand coalition unravelled when it became apparent that the Lytvyn bloc and Communists were unwilling to back Mr Yanukovych’s plans, and that OU-PSD had stayed more or less intact.
Many commentators speculated that some OU-PSD lawmakers would side with the Party of Regions. Although the friction between the premier and president is well publicised, it is believed that Mr Yushchenko realised that throwing his hand in with Mr Yanukovych would alienate orange voters and scupper his bid to win the 2010 presidential election.
Read More...
See the full issue here.
The government of Prime Minster Yulia Tymoshenko passed its sternest test on Friday by surviving a vote of no-confidence in the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine’s parliament).
The opposition Party of Regions was crest-fallen after it failed to secure the 226 votes needed to trigger the government’s dismissal. Out of the 256 lawmakers registered, 174 voted for the motion. The Party of Regions mustered only two votes outside its 172-strong ranks. These were Viktor Topolov and Yuriy But of the pro-presidential Our Ukraine – People’s Self-Defence (OU-PSD) bloc, who had flouted their party whip. Lawmakers from the Bloc of Yulia Tymoshenko (BYuT), centrist Lytvyn bloc and Communist Party did not vote.
The result was a bitter failure for Viktor Yanukovych, leader of the Party of Regions, who had boasted of having sufficient support to topple the government. Its leaders had been plotting for months to bring down the Tymoshenko government, long before the defection of two lawmakers – Ihor Rybakov from BYuT and Yury But from OU-PSD – who robbed the democratic coalition of its majority.
The pre-text for the vote of no-confidence was the government’s alleged mismanagement of the economy and spiralling inflation. This is despite official statistics, announced last week, that reveal that the government’s anti-inflationary measures are dampening inflation, which at one point topped 30 percent (see article on page three). Furthermore, GDP remains remarkably buoyant at 6.4 percent in the first six months, with foreign direct investment increasing four-fold to UAH 4 billion. Also, the government’s de-shadowing of the economy has increased revenues despite the blockage of privatisations by the State Property Fund.
The plot to unseat the government and form a grand coalition unravelled when it became apparent that the Lytvyn bloc and Communists were unwilling to back Mr Yanukovych’s plans, and that OU-PSD had stayed more or less intact.
Many commentators speculated that some OU-PSD lawmakers would side with the Party of Regions. Although the friction between the premier and president is well publicised, it is believed that Mr Yushchenko realised that throwing his hand in with Mr Yanukovych would alienate orange voters and scupper his bid to win the 2010 presidential election.
Read More...
Austria expressed full support of ukraine’s integration into europe
15 July 2008
Published in UNIAN
Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Tymoshenko held a meeting with Federal Chancellor of Austria Alfred Gusenbauer in a narrow circle. The tete-a-tete meeting of Yulia Tymoshenko and Alfred Gusenbauer lasted twice longer than planned.
On the outcomes of the meeting Yulia Tymoshenko and Alfred Gusenbauer met in a wide circle where from the Ukrainian side participating were Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Hryhoriy Nemyria, Economics Minister of Ukraine Bohdan Danylyshyn, Minister of Transport and Communications Yosyp Vinskyi and Minister of Family, Youth and Sports Yuriy Pavlenko. The Austrian side for the meeting is represented by State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovations and Technologies of Austria Christa Kranzl and others.
On completion of the meeting the Ministry of Transport and Communications of Ukraine and the Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovations and Technologies of Austria signed the Agreement on cooperation in the field of transport infrastructure and technology exchange.
At the press conference after the intergovernmental talks, Federal Chancellor of Austria expressed full support of Ukraine’s integration into Europe.
“Ukraine is a European state and we welcome the fact that Ukraine and EU are discussing the agreement on free trade zone. Austria welcomes the development and signing of the agreement. Ukraine should know that Austria is on its side regarding Ukraine’s aspirations,” he said.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Tymoshenko held a meeting with Federal Chancellor of Austria Alfred Gusenbauer in a narrow circle. The tete-a-tete meeting of Yulia Tymoshenko and Alfred Gusenbauer lasted twice longer than planned.
On the outcomes of the meeting Yulia Tymoshenko and Alfred Gusenbauer met in a wide circle where from the Ukrainian side participating were Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Hryhoriy Nemyria, Economics Minister of Ukraine Bohdan Danylyshyn, Minister of Transport and Communications Yosyp Vinskyi and Minister of Family, Youth and Sports Yuriy Pavlenko. The Austrian side for the meeting is represented by State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovations and Technologies of Austria Christa Kranzl and others.
On completion of the meeting the Ministry of Transport and Communications of Ukraine and the Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovations and Technologies of Austria signed the Agreement on cooperation in the field of transport infrastructure and technology exchange.
At the press conference after the intergovernmental talks, Federal Chancellor of Austria expressed full support of Ukraine’s integration into Europe.
“Ukraine is a European state and we welcome the fact that Ukraine and EU are discussing the agreement on free trade zone. Austria welcomes the development and signing of the agreement. Ukraine should know that Austria is on its side regarding Ukraine’s aspirations,” he said.
Tymoshenko visits poland
14 July 2008
Published in UNIAN
Yulia Tymoshenko is paying her first visit to Poland on Monday, since becoming prime minister of Ukraine last autumn.
According to an UNIAN correspondent, during the visit to Poland Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Tymoshenko will meet with Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk. The heads of governments will also hold the first session of intergovernmental Ukrainian-Polish committee on issues concerning preparation and carrying out of Euro-2012. Moreover, Prime Minister of Ukraine will meet with Marshalk of Seim of Republic of Poland Bronislaw Komorowski. The meeting of Yu.Tymoshenko with President of Poland Lech Kaczynski is also scheduled.
Vice Prime Ministers of Ukraine Ivan Vasunik and Grygoriy Nemyrya, Family, Youth and Sport Minister Yuri Pavlenko, Transport and Communication Minister Yosyp Vinskyi, Economics Minister Bogdan Danilishyn, Minister of Regional Development and Building Vassyl Kuibida and Interior Affairs Minister Yuri Lutsenko and others accompany Yu.Tymoshenko in the trip.
Top of the agenda for the talks are preparations of the two countries for the Euro 2012 football championships.
PM Tymoshenko, who survived a no-confidence vote in the Ukrainian parliament last Friday, is also to take part in a session of the intergovernmental committee for Euro 2012.
The politicians are also to discuss economic and energy co-operation, as well as Kyiv’s NATO aspirations.
Yulia Tymoshenko is paying her first visit to Poland on Monday, since becoming prime minister of Ukraine last autumn.
According to an UNIAN correspondent, during the visit to Poland Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Tymoshenko will meet with Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk. The heads of governments will also hold the first session of intergovernmental Ukrainian-Polish committee on issues concerning preparation and carrying out of Euro-2012. Moreover, Prime Minister of Ukraine will meet with Marshalk of Seim of Republic of Poland Bronislaw Komorowski. The meeting of Yu.Tymoshenko with President of Poland Lech Kaczynski is also scheduled.
Vice Prime Ministers of Ukraine Ivan Vasunik and Grygoriy Nemyrya, Family, Youth and Sport Minister Yuri Pavlenko, Transport and Communication Minister Yosyp Vinskyi, Economics Minister Bogdan Danilishyn, Minister of Regional Development and Building Vassyl Kuibida and Interior Affairs Minister Yuri Lutsenko and others accompany Yu.Tymoshenko in the trip.
Top of the agenda for the talks are preparations of the two countries for the Euro 2012 football championships.
PM Tymoshenko, who survived a no-confidence vote in the Ukrainian parliament last Friday, is also to take part in a session of the intergovernmental committee for Euro 2012.
The politicians are also to discuss economic and energy co-operation, as well as Kyiv’s NATO aspirations.
Confidence in tymoshenko reaffirmed
11 July 2008 Filed in: key stories
Sources: BYuT and Reuters
Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko comfortably overcame a no-confidence vote on Friday called by opposition Party of Regions led by former Prime minister Victor Yanukovich.
Analysts said the outcome could strengthen the position of Tymoshenko, who returned as premier last year. The motion received only 174 votes, far short of the 226 needed to pass in the 450-member chamber.
Tymoshenko urged parliament to back her government's reforms, including liberalization of the economy and measures to tame inflation which hit an annual 31 percent last month, the highest for about a decade.
Tymoshenko, in power just eight months, said "No government can function if it is on the brink of dismissal. If it has no majority, a new coalition must be formed and new leaders found for the country," she told the chamber.
An admirer of Margaret Thatcher, she likened her position to that of the former British prime minister. "She said 'If I have no support, let's vote on this,' Tymoshenko said. "And she carried out reforms only once she had won a vote of confidence."
Opposition politicians accused her in the debate of wrecking Ukraine's economy, but the vote tally showed that Yanukovich had received virtually no backing from other parties.
"This is a big psychological and moral victory for Tymoshenko," said Volodymyr Fesenko, head of the Penta think-tank. "She has parried the first serious attack on her and will now try to extend her influence."
Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko comfortably overcame a no-confidence vote on Friday called by opposition Party of Regions led by former Prime minister Victor Yanukovich.
Analysts said the outcome could strengthen the position of Tymoshenko, who returned as premier last year. The motion received only 174 votes, far short of the 226 needed to pass in the 450-member chamber.
Tymoshenko urged parliament to back her government's reforms, including liberalization of the economy and measures to tame inflation which hit an annual 31 percent last month, the highest for about a decade.
Tymoshenko, in power just eight months, said "No government can function if it is on the brink of dismissal. If it has no majority, a new coalition must be formed and new leaders found for the country," she told the chamber.
An admirer of Margaret Thatcher, she likened her position to that of the former British prime minister. "She said 'If I have no support, let's vote on this,' Tymoshenko said. "And she carried out reforms only once she had won a vote of confidence."
Opposition politicians accused her in the debate of wrecking Ukraine's economy, but the vote tally showed that Yanukovich had received virtually no backing from other parties.
"This is a big psychological and moral victory for Tymoshenko," said Volodymyr Fesenko, head of the Penta think-tank. "She has parried the first serious attack on her and will now try to extend her influence."
Incumbent government manages to remove negative phenomena and reaches normal dynamics in development of economic processes
11 July 2008
Published in NRCU
This is what Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko stated while reporting on the Government activities to the Verkhovna Rada. "It would be too ambitious to put a task of removing all deficiencies over 5-6 months. But we have already a certain dynamics", the Premier said.
Yulia Tymoshenko denied reproaches to the Government with regard to high inflation rates, having accused predecessors in creating a basis for the inflation processes. According to Yulia Tymoshenko, over six months the Government managed to achieve the GDP growth of 6.4 percent with the advanced growth of production in technological spheres, including in the machine building sphere.The Prime Minister noted a net growth of direct foreign investments from UAH 880 million to UAH 4 billion, or its fourfold growth, which in her opinion testifies to the world's confidence in the Ukrainian economy.
This is what Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko stated while reporting on the Government activities to the Verkhovna Rada. "It would be too ambitious to put a task of removing all deficiencies over 5-6 months. But we have already a certain dynamics", the Premier said.
Yulia Tymoshenko denied reproaches to the Government with regard to high inflation rates, having accused predecessors in creating a basis for the inflation processes. According to Yulia Tymoshenko, over six months the Government managed to achieve the GDP growth of 6.4 percent with the advanced growth of production in technological spheres, including in the machine building sphere.The Prime Minister noted a net growth of direct foreign investments from UAH 880 million to UAH 4 billion, or its fourfold growth, which in her opinion testifies to the world's confidence in the Ukrainian economy.
Prime minister yulia tymoshenko meets hungarian president laszlo solyom
09 July 2008
Published in
NRCU
The parties dwelled on a number of issues, particularly preparation of the economic activity plan 2008-2009 between the two countries.
Apart from this, Y. Tymoshenko and L. Solyom focused on the language question having agreed to facilitate in every possible way the development of minority languages.
The parties dwelled on a number of issues, particularly preparation of the economic activity plan 2008-2009 between the two countries.
Apart from this, Y. Tymoshenko and L. Solyom focused on the language question having agreed to facilitate in every possible way the development of minority languages.
Russia-ukraine discuss long-term gas deal
08 July 2008
Published in
Inform
issue #76
See the full issue here.
Russia and Ukraine are set to agree and sign a comprehensive natural gas agreement before 15 September. The goal is for the deal to ward off any repeat of the recent gas disputes and cement a long-lasting supply agreement between the two countries.
Last week, Ukraine’s Prime Minister, Yulia Tymoshenko, met with her Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to discuss a prospective energy deal and address other issues that have raised tensions between the two neighbours.
Ahead of the meeting, Alexei Miller, chief executive of Russia’s state gas company, Gazprom, warned Ukraine that it may have to pay Western European-level prices for natural gas. This would mean a near doubling of the $179.50 the country is paying this year for gas.
"Our understanding is as of 1 January 2009, gas supplies to Ukraine will work on market principles," said Mr Miller.
The big hike in the cost of gas is because Central Asian states are raising their prices. Ms Tymoshenko is keen to agree a long-term gas deal, lasting a minimum of three-four years. The desired deal would guarantee supply and increase prices incrementally, giving Ukrainian industry and consumers time to make the transition to market prices and lessen their dependence on relatively cheap and plentiful gas.
Fuel and Energy Minister Yuriy Prodan, who accompanied Ms Tymoshenko on the Moscow visit, said that the contracts would be ready for signature in September.
Baloha Critical
Viktor Baloha, the head of the president’s secretariat, said that the timing was flawed and that Ms Tymoshenko had failed to carry out the instructions of the president, which was to agree a new contract for signature before the end of July – so as to give the economy more time to respond to price rises.
“We still do not have a clear understanding from whom, on what terms and what volumes we will be buying next year,” said a statement issued by a combative Mr Baloha.
The argument goes that Ukraine needs to know gas prices in order to calculate subsidy submissions for the draft 2009 budget, which must be presented to parliament by 15 September.
Reaching an agreement by July can only be described as wildly optimistic. Traditionally the annual haggling and agreement on a price has taken months and Ukraine will be determined to reduce the $400 per thousand cubic metres price. Geoffrey Smith of Renaissance Capital said, "It's best to see this as an opening gambit in a negotiating process."
Read More...
See the full issue here.
Russia and Ukraine are set to agree and sign a comprehensive natural gas agreement before 15 September. The goal is for the deal to ward off any repeat of the recent gas disputes and cement a long-lasting supply agreement between the two countries.
Last week, Ukraine’s Prime Minister, Yulia Tymoshenko, met with her Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to discuss a prospective energy deal and address other issues that have raised tensions between the two neighbours.
Ahead of the meeting, Alexei Miller, chief executive of Russia’s state gas company, Gazprom, warned Ukraine that it may have to pay Western European-level prices for natural gas. This would mean a near doubling of the $179.50 the country is paying this year for gas.
"Our understanding is as of 1 January 2009, gas supplies to Ukraine will work on market principles," said Mr Miller.
The big hike in the cost of gas is because Central Asian states are raising their prices. Ms Tymoshenko is keen to agree a long-term gas deal, lasting a minimum of three-four years. The desired deal would guarantee supply and increase prices incrementally, giving Ukrainian industry and consumers time to make the transition to market prices and lessen their dependence on relatively cheap and plentiful gas.
Fuel and Energy Minister Yuriy Prodan, who accompanied Ms Tymoshenko on the Moscow visit, said that the contracts would be ready for signature in September.
Baloha Critical
Viktor Baloha, the head of the president’s secretariat, said that the timing was flawed and that Ms Tymoshenko had failed to carry out the instructions of the president, which was to agree a new contract for signature before the end of July – so as to give the economy more time to respond to price rises.
“We still do not have a clear understanding from whom, on what terms and what volumes we will be buying next year,” said a statement issued by a combative Mr Baloha.
The argument goes that Ukraine needs to know gas prices in order to calculate subsidy submissions for the draft 2009 budget, which must be presented to parliament by 15 September.
Reaching an agreement by July can only be described as wildly optimistic. Traditionally the annual haggling and agreement on a price has taken months and Ukraine will be determined to reduce the $400 per thousand cubic metres price. Geoffrey Smith of Renaissance Capital said, "It's best to see this as an opening gambit in a negotiating process."
Read More...
Ukraine pushes polish and czechs to ratify eu treaty
07 July 2008
Published in UNIAN
Ukraine’s vice prime minister has encouraged both Poland and the Czech Republic to ratify the Lisbon treaty, according to theParliament.com .
Speaking to TheParliament.com on Thursday, Hryhoriy Nemyria said, "We truly believe that there is life beyond the Lisbon treaty.
"We encourage those countries to exercise their duty and responsibility to continue to ratify the Lisbon treaty. I especially have in mind the presidents of Poland and the Czech Republic."
Nemyria, who has responsibility for European affairs, also said that he didn’t think the Irish vote against the Lisbon treaty was a vote against enlargement, but stressed that the ‘reflection time’ given to Ireland after the no vote should not take away from Ukraine’s progress towards EU integration.
"We support those MEPs who think that Irish reflection time should not be deducted from Ukrainian integration.
"There were a number of doomsday scenarios on previous enlargements and every time the EU was creative enough to find a way out and to continue."
Ukraine is currently in talks with the EU on a new “enhanced” agreement to take over from a 2005 pact under the EU’s neighbourhood policy. A major part of the new agreement will be a free trade area, which goes side by side with requirements on economic and sectoral cooperation.
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Ukraine’s vice prime minister has encouraged both Poland and the Czech Republic to ratify the Lisbon treaty, according to theParliament.com .
Speaking to TheParliament.com on Thursday, Hryhoriy Nemyria said, "We truly believe that there is life beyond the Lisbon treaty.
"We encourage those countries to exercise their duty and responsibility to continue to ratify the Lisbon treaty. I especially have in mind the presidents of Poland and the Czech Republic."
Nemyria, who has responsibility for European affairs, also said that he didn’t think the Irish vote against the Lisbon treaty was a vote against enlargement, but stressed that the ‘reflection time’ given to Ireland after the no vote should not take away from Ukraine’s progress towards EU integration.
"We support those MEPs who think that Irish reflection time should not be deducted from Ukrainian integration.
"There were a number of doomsday scenarios on previous enlargements and every time the EU was creative enough to find a way out and to continue."
Ukraine is currently in talks with the EU on a new “enhanced” agreement to take over from a 2005 pact under the EU’s neighbourhood policy. A major part of the new agreement will be a free trade area, which goes side by side with requirements on economic and sectoral cooperation.
Read More...
Ukrainian premier hopes to sign gas deal with russia by 15 september
07 July 2008
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliya Tymoshenko has said
she expects a gas contract with Russia to be signed
by 15 September, but refused to predict the gas price
for next year. She was speaking in a pre- recorded
interview shown by Ukraine's most popular Inter TV
channel on 6 July.
"I think that talks with Vladimir Putin on gas supplies were successful and I think that we will turn them into a contract form by 15 September," she said and noted once again that the gas price will be increased gradually for several years until it reaches the European level.
However, Tymoshenko refused to reveal any details about the gas talks: "Negotiations are under way and I would not like to ruin them with preliminary statements. "I don't have the right to talk about my suppositions. I can only tell you the contract price when the document will be signed," Tymoshenko said.
"I think that talks with Vladimir Putin on gas supplies were successful and I think that we will turn them into a contract form by 15 September," she said and noted once again that the gas price will be increased gradually for several years until it reaches the European level.
However, Tymoshenko refused to reveal any details about the gas talks: "Negotiations are under way and I would not like to ruin them with preliminary statements. "I don't have the right to talk about my suppositions. I can only tell you the contract price when the document will be signed," Tymoshenko said.
The cabinet approves state budget on saturday
04 July 2008
The Government of Ukraine plans to approve the draft
law about the amendments to the budget 2008 at the
meeting on Saturday, said Prime Minister of Ukraine
Yulia Tymoshenko at the press-conference in Mykolaiv
on Friday.
Ukrainian and russian governments are reliable partners and open for further cooperation, yulia tymoshenko says
01 July 2008
Published in NRCU
This was stated by the Ukrainian Premier in Moscow at a joint news conference with Russian Premier Vladimir Putin. "A Ukraine-Russia dialogue is developing, we are successful, we are predictable, we are reliable as partners and open for further cooperation,she noted.
The Prime Minister also said the dialogue she had with her Russian counterpart was substantial and constructive. For his part, Vladimir Putin also noted that Ukraine-Russia relations have great prospects. He stressed that at the stage a Ukraine-Russia partnership is developing successfully in general. The talks demonstrated that we are ready to discuss urgent issues. We are able to solve all questions kindly and openly for the benefit of the two parties, he said.
This was stated by the Ukrainian Premier in Moscow at a joint news conference with Russian Premier Vladimir Putin. "A Ukraine-Russia dialogue is developing, we are successful, we are predictable, we are reliable as partners and open for further cooperation,she noted.
The Prime Minister also said the dialogue she had with her Russian counterpart was substantial and constructive. For his part, Vladimir Putin also noted that Ukraine-Russia relations have great prospects. He stressed that at the stage a Ukraine-Russia partnership is developing successfully in general. The talks demonstrated that we are ready to discuss urgent issues. We are able to solve all questions kindly and openly for the benefit of the two parties, he said.
Ukraine sees long-term gas deal with russia by nov
01 July 2008
Published in Reuters
Ukraine's energy minister said on Tuesday that a long-term gas supply deal with Russia could be signed by November, which may help avoid periodic last minute talks that have sometimes led to brief supply cuts.
Ex-Soviet Ukraine currently pays $179.5 per 1,000 of cubic metres of gas, still well below market levels despite several years of steep hikes, and hopes that the transition to a price paid by other European countries will be gradual.
"In our action plan with our colleagues in the Russian energy ministry, we foresee that we would sign long-term contracts sometime in October-November," Energy Minister Yuri Prodan told a news conference.
"The preparations for the contracts provides for them to be ready to be signed in September," he said.
Ukraine's state energy firm Naftogaz has previously said it would want from Russia's gas monopoly Gazprom a 15-year contract that would stipulate exact price rises for the next five years.
Ukraine is a transit country for almost a quarter of gas going to Europe, which has been affected in the past when Ukrainian-Russian gas talks led to disputes and supply cuts. Prodan declined to say what price Ukraine could pay next year. Gazprom said last week that the price could more than double to $400 per 1,000 cubic metres as Central Asian states raise their own gas prices.
Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko was in Moscow on Saturday and met her Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, who said while Moscow wants to raise gas prices gradually to market levels, the Central Asian plans to hike prices could prevent that.
Tymoshenko, cited by Interfax-Ukraine news agency on Sunday, said she thought Kiev would pay market prices only in three or four years, and that a doubling of the price next year, as Gazprom suggested, was "absolutely impossible" for Ukraine.
Ukraine agrees in principle that it should start paying market prices for its gas at some stage, after decades of subsidised energy under the Soviet Union.
Ukraine's energy minister said on Tuesday that a long-term gas supply deal with Russia could be signed by November, which may help avoid periodic last minute talks that have sometimes led to brief supply cuts.
Ex-Soviet Ukraine currently pays $179.5 per 1,000 of cubic metres of gas, still well below market levels despite several years of steep hikes, and hopes that the transition to a price paid by other European countries will be gradual.
"In our action plan with our colleagues in the Russian energy ministry, we foresee that we would sign long-term contracts sometime in October-November," Energy Minister Yuri Prodan told a news conference.
"The preparations for the contracts provides for them to be ready to be signed in September," he said.
Ukraine's state energy firm Naftogaz has previously said it would want from Russia's gas monopoly Gazprom a 15-year contract that would stipulate exact price rises for the next five years.
Ukraine is a transit country for almost a quarter of gas going to Europe, which has been affected in the past when Ukrainian-Russian gas talks led to disputes and supply cuts. Prodan declined to say what price Ukraine could pay next year. Gazprom said last week that the price could more than double to $400 per 1,000 cubic metres as Central Asian states raise their own gas prices.
Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko was in Moscow on Saturday and met her Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, who said while Moscow wants to raise gas prices gradually to market levels, the Central Asian plans to hike prices could prevent that.
Tymoshenko, cited by Interfax-Ukraine news agency on Sunday, said she thought Kiev would pay market prices only in three or four years, and that a doubling of the price next year, as Gazprom suggested, was "absolutely impossible" for Ukraine.
Ukraine agrees in principle that it should start paying market prices for its gas at some stage, after decades of subsidised energy under the Soviet Union.