UPDATE 1-EU urges Ukraine, Russia to ensure steady gas flow
* EU exec wants Russia/Ukraine deal to ensure steady EU gas
* Kiev wants decision on $4 bln credit from banks in 2 weeks
(Adds detail, background)
By Pete Harrison
BRUSSELS, June 18 (Reuters) - Ukrainian state-owned gas firm Naftogaz should seal an agreement with Russia that would ensure uninterrupted gas flows to Europe, the European Commission said after a meeting of its gas experts on Thursday.
The gas coordination group discussed rising tensions between Moscow and Ukraine, the country through which about 80 percent of exports to Europe from Russian gas export monopoly Gazprom (GAZP.MM: Quote, Profile, Research) flow.
The EU wants to avert a repeat of January's gas crisis when a payment dispute between the two sides led to Russia cutting off supplies into Ukraine, including those destined for Europe.
"The Commission urged both parties, Gazprom and Naftogaz, to reach a stable and long-term arrangement to secure transit towards the EU," the European Union executive said in a statement. Continued...
One Year Later
A year after militants laid siege to Mumbai, the country still remains very vulnerable. Full Article | Full Coverage
Liberhan Commission Report
The government published a long awaited report, recently leaked, accusing BJP leaders of a role in the 1992 destruction of the Babri mosque in Ayodhya. Full Article
