UKRAINE PROTECTS PIPELINES FROM RUSSIAN ACQUISITION.

The Ukrainian parliament voted overwhelmingly on September 19 to include gas and oil pipelines on the list of enterprises exempt from privatization. In addition the parliament asked the government and the Prosecutor’s Office to investigate the legality and background of the formation of the Gaztranzit company. The parliament will also conduct its own investigation into the matter. (8)

Gaztranzit, an affiliate of Russia’s Gazprom, was formed recently with a view to participating in the privatization of pipeline companies in Ukraine. Gaztranzit’s attempt earlier this month to acquire Ukraine’s giant gas storage sites provoked a political outcry and prompted the parliament’s decision to exempt the pipeline companies from privatization in order to shelter them against Russian takeover bids.

Ukraine to Help Latvian Army.