Usackas to mediate Ukraine gas talks

VILNIUS - LithuanianForeign Minister Vygaudas Usackas has agreed to take a leading role in negotiations with Ukraine, the EU and Russia over renewing gas supplies to Ukraine.

Russia cut gas supplies to Ukraine on Jan. 1 after talks over a new energy contract broke down.

Usackas will join Ukrainian Foreign Minister Volodymyr Ogryzka, Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg -- whose country currently holds the EU presidency -- and European Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs in talks aimed at renewing the flow of gas to Ukraine.

According to a press release, Schwarzenberg pledged to assist Ukraineif its conduct is transparent and it provides the EU with all gas suppliescontracts signed with Russia.

Piebalgs, the EU commissioner, noted that the European Commission waswilling to take active part in the gas supplies negotiations between Ukraineand Russia in case of political approval of the EU.

A similar cutoff in 2006 resulted in gas shortages in many European countries. About 25 percent of Europe's gas comes from Russia and is delivered through Ukranian pipelines.

Gazprom said it was increasing shipments intended for other European nations to avoid a midwinter disruption.