A deal on monitoring gas transit via Ukraine has been reached

The European Commission press centre reports a deal on monitoring gas transit via Ukraine has been reached.RIA Novosti reports regarding this.
The move is aimed at fast restoration of gas supplies to the EU member states, the Commission press centre said.
Ukrainian energy company Naftogaz Chief Oleh Dubyna said at gas talks in Brussels yesterday that Ukraine was ready to allow EU experts into its territory for them to control Russian gas transit, including when the gas enters Ukraine and when it leaves the country.
Ukraine has not allowed independent observers to its gas measuring stations since January 1.
The European Commission held talks with Russia and Ukraine on the gas issue on Thursday and Friday.
Previous talks between Russia and Ukraine ended on New Year's Eve with no agreement on how to settle Kiev's gas debts or on a contract for 2009 deliveries.
European Union experts are to arrive in Ukraine on Friday to monitor Russian gas transit to Europe. The deal was reached between the European Commission and the Ukrainian government yesterday on Thursday.

Russian Duma Intends Discussion of Possibility to Ratify Friendship Agreement with Abkhazia and South Ossetia

Russian Duma is going to discuss possibility of ratification of friendship agreement with Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
As ‘Ria Novosti’ informs, Duma committee members don’t exclude the above mentioned issue to be discussed by Duma at the session today, October 23.
Russian president Dmitry Medvedev represented agreement about cooperation and friendship with Abkhazia and South Ossetia to Duma for discussion and gave recommendation to discuss the ratification issue on a priority basis.