Posted on 01/27/2006 1:20:51 PM PST by blam
Ukraine stealing gas, says Italy
Italy, like Russia, is in the throes of a cold snap
Italy has joined Russia in condemning Ukraine for allegedly stealing Russian gas intended for European consumers. Italy receives Russian gas through pipelines across Ukraine, but is reporting continuing shortfalls in supplies as it endures a cold snap.
Industry minister Claudio Scajola said it was "inadmissible" for Ukraine to take gas meant for his country.
Ukraine has strongly denied that it is siphoning off Russian gas in transit for Europe.
"Everyone should follow the rules and therefore it is inadmissible that Ukraine takes from the pipeline a quantity of gas that is meant for Italy"
Claudio Scajola Italian industry minister
It insists it is adhering to agreements it has previously signed with Russia.
Mr Scajola's comments come amid a growing debate in Europe about the continent's dependence on Russian energy.
Energy officials from eight central and eastern European countries have called on the EU to help build an integrated gas storage and distribution network to reduce reliance on Russia.
A package of measures is being discussed, including the Nabucco project - a proposed 3,000km (1,850 mile) pipeline to take Iranian and Azeri gas from Turkey to Austria, through Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary.
Difficult position
Until now, only Russia has held Ukraine responsible for the supply problems.
The BBC's Steven Eke says that if Italy's condemnation marks the start of a reassessment of who is to blame for the problems, Ukraine could find itself in a very difficult position.
After talks in Moscow, Mr Scajola said he wanted Russia to pay particular attention to all contracts and responsibilities for delivery of Russian gas to his country.
Italy, which relies heavily on Russian gas, says deliveries are falling below the expected level for a second week now.
Mr Scajola's Russian counterpart Viktor Khristenko criticised Ukraine for "unsanctioned siphoning" and said Moscow was doing everything to guarantee supplies to Italy.
Poland, Hungary and Turkey have also complained of reduced deliveries of Russian gas.
European countries first experienced problems with gas earlier in the month, when Russia suspended supplies to Ukraine as a result of Kiev's refusal to agree to a fourfold price hike.
The two neighbours have twice delayed the signing of a controversial compromise deal agreed after the crisis.
Hey... possession is 9/10ths of the law!
Looks like the Ukranians are the petro bandits of the 21st century.
Well, it could be Ukraine stealing gas, or it could be Russia.
Putin would love to get Ukraine in trouble with Europe. If they believe him, then the will blame Ukraine for stealing the gas. If they don't believe him, then they will blame Ukraine for p*ssing off Putin and causing him to short Europe.
The Euros like to be comfortable, and either way they will blame Ukraine. Who would they rather keep on good terms with? Ukraine or Russia, which can cut off their gas supplies or raise the price at will?
Oh what is an environmentalist to do?!
We don't want more global warming but we think the poor are getting screwed in this deal...
Germany had monitors checking on both ends earlier, and confirmed the Ukraine was stealing the gas. Furthermore, the Ukraine has admitted stealing the gas for years 2000, 2001, and 2002. An independent firm is auditing the totals now, and Ukraine will be paying. Additionally, this is nothing unusual, because Yulia Tymoshenko increased her net worth $11.5 billion in 5 years siphoning Russian gas. It has also been reported the Ukranian oligarchs are not happy with the present contract, because it makes the Ukraine responsible for stolen gas.
Ping
Ping
Ukraine actually admitted that it was stealing Russian Gas, during the harsh winter season. It's nothing new. During Yeltsin era, Ukrainian and Russian officials made huge money by gas schemes.
Yes, it's only a possibility that I raised.
And did Ukraine steal Georgias gas and Moldava's gas?
And did Ukraine steal Georgias gas and Moldava's gas?==
Georgia and Moldova has no gas so nothing to steal otherwise Ukraine could.
Now they stole italian, german, hungarian, polish gas. Ukraine is provent gas thief. Pres Yuschenko is the master of notorius criminal band.
"Georgia and Moldova has no gas so nothing to steal "
EXACTLY - AND WHAT IS COMMON TO ALL THESE GAS SHORTAGES?
It is all the product of PUTIN'S Weapons of Gas Destruction
Precisely. Energy hegemony. In some ways, this is nothing new, as the Soviets produced the gas caps off a number of (previously viable) oilfields maintaining such control over the 'Iron Curtain' Satellite States during the cold war.
Why use military control, when Russia can bring these countries to their knees by engineering production shortfalls? It is eminently cheaper than a military imposition of idealogy or control.
The additional benefit for Putin is that in the event those former satellites, and indeed much of current Europe gets too 'uppity', all they need do is wait for winter and reduce the available supply. Pointing the finger will cause the client states to fight among themselves.
It is not the first time the weather has been an effective 'accessory weapon' in Russia's arsenal.
Well, call Vlad and tell him Carl wants his weather machine back, NOW!"
Gosh - Russia may have to build even more nukes for Iran to make up for these stolen-gas revenues.
"Pointing the finger will cause the client states to fight among themselves. "
Yes - that and a few charges of antisemitism and another parade to celebrate the victory over fascism has worked very well for the Kremlin in the past.
Too bad for Putie Apologists, there is better information now.
EXACTLY - AND WHAT IS COMMON TO ALL THESE GAS SHORTAGES? ==
They don't want to pay the market price so they was just shorten off.
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