Putin: connection between natural gas and future of CIS
Russian president Vladimir Putin confirmed that future of Commonwealth of Independent States depends on Russian gas supplies. But at that he made a reservation that this future doesn`t depend on gas prices.
During meeting with Armenian president Robert Kocharyan, which took place at residence "Bocharov creek" in Sochi, Putin explained that he is not involved in discussion of prices on gas personally: "The issue is discussed by managing subjects. They are engaged in business with each other. We are out of commerce".
Answering the question about situation with prices on gas, suggested to Ukraine, Putin opposed linkage of the issue with amount of payments for Black Sea Fleet presence in Sevastopol.
Russian president said that he discussed "gas" issue with Ukrainian colleague and came to the agreement that "our managing subjects will continue negotiations but our interaction in the issue will be proper".
Vladimir Putin made it clear that Ukraine is not the only country to pay more for gas but didn`t name the next country.
"There is a schedule. But it differs for every country!", - said the president.