Vladimir Putin's address before signing the Protocol: 

Dear Mr Prime Minister, I am glad to say that today's discussion has led us to the coordination of practically all nuances of monitoring Russian natural gas exports to our European clients via Ukraine. Thus, there are no obstacles to the establishment of the monitoring mechanism suggested by our European partners.

We are willing to sign the document. Indicatively, it has been suggested by our European partners in the person of the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, the country that is currently the President of the European Union Council. The document took shape during my consultations with a number of European leaders-the German Chancellor, the Italian Prime Minister and the President of the European Commission. Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin and Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller will sign it on Russia's behalf.

Mirek Topolanek's address (as translated):

Dear Mr Prime Minister, I am very glad that we have come to an accord on the matter that should allow us to unblock natural gas supplies to Europe. I am also very glad that we have arrived at a text that satisfies all the three Parties to the negotiations.

I feel how much you are interested in settling the issue and resuming gas supplies to Europe.

The situation is extremely serious-suffice it to say that I had to talk several times to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, and I also felt Mr Lech Kaczynski's support.

Let us sign the treaty! I am sure you will be able to export gas to Europe, and Ukraine to transit it-and we shall save Europe from cold.

* * * 

Vladimir Putin: I suggest informing the press after the Russian party signs the document and the Czech party endorses it.

Mirek Topolanek: Commissioner Andris Piebalgs will sign it on the European Commission's behalf, and we shall only initial it-to be more precise, Industry Minister Martin Rziman will do it.

Vladimir Putin: All right.