ČR gets EU support for solving gas dispute

Brussels, Jan 5 (by CTK reporter) - Czech EU presidency has received
support of the entire EU-27 for finding a solution to the dispute over gas
supplies between Russian energy giant Gazprom and Ukraine, Radek Honzak,
spokesman of CzechRep's permanent representation to the EU, told CTK.

Honzak spoke to CTK after a meeting of EU envoys in Brussels on Monday.

The Czech Republic considers the row a business dispute and mainly seeks to
secure gas supplies to Europe at an agreed amount.

"The EU has agreed that the situation is not critical and consumers are not
in danger," Honzak added.

Nevertheless, several EU member countries, including the Czech Republic,
have reported fluctuations in gas supplies.

RWE Transgas, the biggest Czech gas supplier, on Monday saw a drop in gas
supplies of 9.5 percent.

Moreover, Russia has announced it would cut supplies via Ukraine but
compensate the shortfall by higher supplies via other transit countries.

Reps of the envoys have agreed that ministers for European affairs and
foreign ministers will discuss the situation at an informal meeting of EU
Council for General Affairs to take place in Prague on Thursday.

Reps of the envoys, or COREPER I., should deal with the matter again on
Friday.