Gazprom is ready to restore the pipeline in South Ossetia and is also ready to discuss provisions for a new gas contract with Ukraine, says company spokesman Sergei Kupriyanov.

Kupriyanov said that his company had received official confirmation from Georgia that they will not be pumping gas this winter to South Ossetia due to the destruction of the pipeline in the region. He then offered support to Georgia to help restore the line if they cannot do it alone.

“Georgia has the possiblity to restore the gasline. Gazprom is also ready to examine the question of helping Georgia in the restoration of gas to South Ossetia,” said Kupriyanov.

The Ukraine situation

Kupriyanov seemed to talk a little tougher about Ukraine, but still offered the hope that problems there can be solved.

“We are in the process of dealing with the provisions included in the contract, provisions connected with the settlement of the current debt and the formulation of a new contract for next year.” said Kupriyanov.

“We understand that nobody has any money right now. The question is how we can solve the current problems and work towards fixing conditions for next year,” he added.

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