Medvedev delays Kiev envoy in part on gas

MOSCOW, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday cited gas disputes with Kiev as among the factors contributing to his decision to withhold his Ukrainian envoy.

Medvedev had chosen former Health Minister Mikhail Zurabov as the new envoy to Ukraine but delayed sending the envoy to his post over allegations of anti-Russian efforts on the part of Kiev.

"I would like to inform you that over Ukraine's anti-Russian policies I have made the decision to delay sending our new ambassador to Ukraine," Medvedev said.

The Russian president pointed to a series of moves by Kiev that led to his decision, including supporting opposition forces in the breakaway republic of South Ossetia.

He went on to express his "deep concern" for the souring relation between the two neighbors, complaining Russian companies face "open resistance" from Ukrainian authorities.

"Bypassing Russia, Ukraine's political leaders do deals with the European Union on supplying gas -- gas from Russia -- and sign a document that completely contradicts the Russian-Ukrainian agreements reached in January this year," he said.

Russian gas giant Gazprom disrupted exports to Ukraine in January following a dispute over gas debts and arrears. Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko later brokered an agreement with her Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on gas transits and payments, setting firm conditions on monthly payment obligations.

Medvedev said the development of bilateral ties with Kiev would determine the arrival of Zurabov.