The International Conference on Ensuring Russian Gas Supplies
to European Consumers took place in the Kremlin.

January 17, 2009

Participants discussed various ways of resolving the gas crisis, how to ensure the immediate resumption of gas supplies, and measures to prevent similar problems in future.

Dmitry Medvedev said that specific suggestions were made by both Ukrainian and Russian parties during the discussion. According to the President, some of these proposals will form the basis of the final agreements.

Noting the lack of effectiveness of documents relating to the energy sector, including the Energy Charter, Dmitry Medvedev emphasised the need to create a new legal basis to guarantee that the supplies reach consumers.

The head of state said that talks between Russia and Ukraine to resume deliveries of Russian gas to Europe will continue. They will be conducted by the countries' respective prime ministers, Vladimir Putin and Yulia Tymoshenko.

The Kremlin, Moscow