Ukraine government at odds over new talks in gas dispute

Moscow/Kiev  - Ukraine's government is divided by internal differences over entering new talks with Russia to end the gas delivery impasse, news reports said Thursday.

Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency that a new round of talks on resuming gas transit to the European Union was scheduled for Saturday in Moscow.

However, President Viktor Yushchenko on Wednesday evening rejected the Kremlin's invitation a crisis summit with all gas-importing countries on Saturday as not suitable.

Ukraine's leaders maintain their position that they are not responsible for the week-long total freeze of Russia's gas exports. Transit of Russian deliveries was not possible in the last days due to technical reasons, Kiev said.

Russian President Dimitry Medvedev invited Ukraine and all EU member states affected by the gas shortages to a crisis summit in Moscow.

Yushchenko and Polish President Lech Kaczynski, however, suggested a meeting of all affected parties with the EU heads of state and government, to be held in Prague, a statement released on the website of the Polish president's office said.

The Czech Republic currently holds the rotating EU Presidency. (dpa)

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