Ukraine makes first move to allow EU, U.S. co-manage national gas pipesJuly 5, 2014 - 12:25 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Ukrainian parliament has passed the first reading of a bill allowing western companies to own up to 49 percent of the national gas transportation system (GTS), which is currently totally owned by Naftogaz Ukraine, RT reported. The 229 - 221 Friday, July 4 vote means a foreign operator will be able to manage, be licensed to operate, or lease Ukraine’s gas pipelines or its underground storage, RIA reports. On top of that, the Ukrainian government can set up a separate operator for the underground gas storage, where US and European companies could also get a 49 percent stake. Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, who proposed the bill, said it was a part of a bigger initiative to modernize Ukraine’s GTS and also strengthen Ukraine’s position as a transit country. “Those who want to turn Ukraine’s pipes into scrap, play along with Russia in construction of South Stream, those don’t vote for the bill,” Yatsenyuk said on Thursday when the bill was first turned down. On Friday, Ukraine’s Rada also passed a bill to let the Cabinet of Ministers introduce special provisions in its fuel and energy sector for times of limited energy supplies in the country. To become a law, these bills need to pass through two more hearings in the Rada, as well as require a signature of President Petro Poroshenko. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |