Ukraine signs deal with Russia and EU to get the gas flowing

Russia, Moscow, January 12: After four days of disruption amid freezing temperatures, Ukraine finally signed an agreement with Russia and the European Union on Russian experts monitoring transit gas through its territory, setting the stage for the resumption of supplies to Europe.

The treaty was signed in Moscow by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin, OAO Gazprom Chief Executive Officer Alexei Miller and Czech Trade Minister Martin Riman, according to Russian state broadcaster Vesti-24.

Under this agreement, Russian experts will be allowed to monitor transit shipments in Ukraine. International monitors will check gas flow into the Ukrainian pipeline network from Russian territory.

Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek, who represents the EU, secured the agreement of Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Timoshenko in Kiev, after conversations with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Sunday at his residence outside Moscow.

Topolanek said "We were able to reach a political agreement aimed at getting out of the deadlock. Ukraine has accepted all the terms needed for Russia to supply gas."

Once Russia resumes shipments, it will take 36 hours for the gas to start reaching European consumers. Supplies to at least 20 nations have been affected. The gas shutdown, triggered by Russia's dispute with Ukraine over prices and debt, renewed calls in Europe to develop nuclear power and alternative sources of energy.