(7 Jan 2009) HEADLINE: Russia stops all gas supply to Europe
CAPTION: An energy dispute between Russia and Ukraine is forcing tens of thousands people across Europe Union to cope with freezing weather and no gas heating. (Jan. 7)
RUSSIA SHUT OFF ALL GAS SUPPLIES TO EUROPE THROUGH UKRAINE ON WEDNESDAY --LEAVING MORE THAN A DOZEN COUNTRIES SCRAMBLING TO COPE. TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE, MOSTLY IN BULGARIA, ARE WITHOUT GAS FOR HEATING.
[Notes:25. SOUNDBITE (English) Tony Lodge, research fellow at the Centre for Policy Studies:, 1230 GVW Europe Gas]
"Well it's very serious, and it'll get more serious before it gets better. We have a prolonged cold snap.
RUSSIA AND UKRAINE BLAME EACH OTHER FOR THE CUTOFF. THE E.U. ACCUSED BOTH NATIONS OF USING CONSUMERS AS PAWNS. BOTH HAVE SINCE AGREED TO LET INTERNATIONAL MONITORS TRACK TRANSPORTS.
[Notes:29. SOUNDBITE (English) James Nixey, Manager, Russia and Eurasia Programme, Royal Institute of International Affairs:]
"Russia wishes more than economic success. It wishes influence, political influence, particularly in what it sees in zones of privileged interests.
RUSSIAN AND UKRANIAN TALKS BROKE DOWN LAST MONTH. UKRAINIAN PIPELINES TRANSPORT ABOUT 80 PERCENT OF RUSSIA'S GAS EXPORTS TO EUROPE. RUSSIA WANTS TO CHARGE ITS COLD WAR ALLY MORE FOR THE ENERGY IT PROVIDES. UKRAINE COUNTERED THAT PROPOSAL BY THREATENING TO RAISE RUSSIA'S FEES FOR USING UKRAINE PIPELINES.
[Notes:9. SOUNDBITE (English) James Nixey, Manager, Russia and Eurasia Programme, Royal Institute of International Affairs:]
in most cases, where military means are not possible, not feasible, then energy is the primary weapon which the Russians can deploy."
SCHOOLS AND KINDERGARTENS ARE TEMPORARILY CLOSING DOWN. A BOSNIAN GAS OPERATOR SAYS THE SITUATION IS CLOSE TO A HUMANITARIAN DISASTER.
E-U LEADERS DEMAND THAT RUSSIA AND UKRAINE SETTLE THE DISPUTE IMMEDIATELY. THE TWO COUNTRIES ARE EXPECTED TO RESTART TALKS ON THURSDAY.
STORY NUMBER: 591351
Find out more about AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
You can license this story through AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
