13 Jan 2009

Supply of Russian to resume

7:25 am on 13 January 2009

The EU says Russia will resume pumping gas to third countries via Ukraine from Tuesday morning.

The Czech presidency of the EU made the announcement was made after the signing of a monitoring deal by Russia, Ukraine and the EU.

Under the deal, international pipeline monitors will verify the flow of Russian gas through Ukraine.

Russia turned off supply to customers in Europe on 1 January after accusing Kiev of stealing gas meant for other European customers - leaving many countries with major shortages.

Under the deal, international pipeline monitors will verify the flow of Russian gas through Ukraine.

Gazprom says supplies will resume at 8am on Tuesday (0700GMT) if there are no obstacles.

Earlier, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev emphasised that Russian gas to Europe via Ukraine would flow only when monitors were in place and a transit deal had been signed by all parties.