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Moscow:Ukraine must pay us the $2 billion for gas deliveries
by Joseph Earnest March 7, 2014
Newscast Media MOSCOW—The head of Russia's state-run energy company Gazprom said Friday that Ukraine has stopped paying for Russian gas supplies, which could trigger a repetition of 2009’s so-called "gas war" between the two countries. According to Alexei Miller, crisis-hit Ukraine owes Russia about $1.89 billion in unpaid natural gas bills after failing to pay for February supplies. "This violates our contract and international trade practices. We cannot supply natural gas for free," Miller told reporters in Moscow. "Ukraine must pay off its debts and current deliveries or face the risk of returning to the 2009 scenario," during which Russia halted all deliveries to Europe via Ukraine's pipeline system for two weeks. Gazprom has already announced that it will annul its discount on natural gas sales to Ukraine from April, following last month's ouster of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. Russia and Ukraine have long fought over natural gas deliveries, jeopardizing supplies to Europe, a major Russian gas buyer. In 2009, the most severely affected countries were in southeastern Europe as Bulgaria was forced to stop production at some of its industrial plants, while Slovakia even declared a state of emergency. Cutting off the current natural gas deliveries would most certainly punish both new Ukrainian authorities and the European Union, which sided with Ukraine's nationalist and pro-Western opposition in a violent clash for power with the erstwhile pro-Russian government. Meanhwhile, the Russian lawmakers are introducing a bill whereby foreigners found guilty of sexually harassing women in Russia could soon face deportation under new rules being considered in parliament, a lawmaker said Friday. Any foreigner "attempting to establish intimate contact," "request sexual favors" or even "court" a Russian woman against her will would be eligible for the punishment, under the terms of the draft bill. Foreigners would also be subject to a 50,000 ruble fine ($1,300), as well as up to 120 hours of community service. The bill was introduced to parliament just ahead of International Women's Day, which is celebrated Saturday. But the proposed legislation does not affect only foreigners. Russians found guilty of sexual harassment would face the same fine, as well as community service, though they would presumably be allowed to remain in the country. Add Comments>>
Source: Ria Novosti
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