EU, Ukraine to discuss bridging loan to Kiev next week: Merkel October 24, 2014 - 08:33 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Union and Ukraine will discuss a bridging loan to Kiev next week so that the country can pay in advance for Russian gas deliveries for the coming months, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, according to Reuters. "There is a necessity for a certain amount of bridging finance," Merkel told reporters after the first day of a European Union summit. The latest round of talks between Moscow and Kiev, brokered by the European Commission, to try to resolve a row over Ukraine's unpaid gas bill took place on Tuesday. They ended without agreement and more talks are scheduled for Oct 29. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said the two sides had almost reached a deal but had stumbled over the issue of how Ukraine will pay in advance for gas supplies in November and December. Gazprom, which has cut off Kiev's gas supplies, says Ukraine's gas debt stands near $4.5 billion. Ukraine has agreed to pay off $3.1 billion to Gazprom in two tranches this year to help unblock its access to gas over the winter. Ukraine's Naftogaz has set aside $3.1 billion in a special escrow account to pay Russian natural gas supplier Gazprom, the chief executive of Ukraine's national oil and gas company told Reuters on Thursday. Kiev on Tuesday asked the EU for a further 2 billion euros ($2.55 billion) in credit.  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 |  Latest news The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity  The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization.Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia.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. |
