Statement by the Press Secretary/ Director-general for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Natural Gas from Russia to Ukraine

January 8, 2009

Due to the disagreement between the parties concerned of Russia and Ukraine on the natural gas price, supply of natural gas from Russia to Ukraine has been stopped since January 1 2009, causing a negative effect on stable supply of natural gas in some European countries. The Government of Japan is closely watching the situation with great interest, not only as an issue between Russia and Ukraine, but also from the viewpoint of the influence this might have on energy supply.
The Government of Japan expects that the parties concerned of Russia and Ukraine find a solution to this issue immediately at the negotiations, which will be restarted on January 8, according to the announcement by the Ukrainian side.

(END)