Kyiv, Moscow guarantee continuous gas deliveries to EU

Brussels. Dec 19 (Interfax) - Ukraine and Russia have assured the European Union that continuous gas deliveries will be secured regardless of a compromise in the bilateral gas dispute.

European Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs welcomed this decision, Spokesman for Energy Ferran Tarradellas Espuny told Interfax on Friday, commenting on the results of a meeting between Piebalgs and the Naftogaz Ukrainy head, which took place in London a day earlier.

"Both parties promised that if deliveries to Ukraine are cut, gas transit to Europe will not stop," Espuny said, noting that "the commissioner thinks this a good news."

Speaking about Russia's position, Espuny said that an early warning mechanism in the energy dialogue was activated at Moscow's initiative in order to inform about differences between the Russian and the Ukrainian sides.

The parties also informed Piebalgs that they have yet to reach an agreement in the gas dispute.

"The Commissioner called on both parties to find a compromise which would suit both parties," Espuny said.

Commenting on Russia's risk-assessment letter, which was earlier announced by Gazprom representatives, the spokesman said that it would be sent through the early warning mechanism.

"We have not received the letter so far, but they informed us that they will send it," Espuny said.