Prague  - The Czech presidency of the European Union Monday welcomed promise by Russian officials to resume EU-bound natural gas deliveries via Ukraine on Tuesday morning.

The presidency confirmed in a statement that Russia vowed to renew supplies via Ukraine after all parties - the EU, Russia and Ukraine - signed in Brussels a deal that allows international observers to monitor Russian gas flows passing through Ukraine.

"After signing the agreement, the Russian side promised us that it will reopen the taps, if there are no obstacles, on Tuesday at 08:00 Central European Time," said Czech Economy Minister Martin Riman, whose country holds the EU rotating presidency until June 30. dpa