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Ukraine and Russia vow 'new page' Ukraine's Black Sea Fleet 'shift'
(about 2 hours later)
Ukraine's new President, Viktor Yanukovych, and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev have pledged to end tensions between their two countries. The newly elected president of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovich has suggested he would allow Russia's Black Sea Fleet to remain in his country beyond 2017.
Mr Yanukovych, during his first visit to Moscow following his election last month, said he would open a "new page" in ties with Russia. Mr Yanukovich, during his first visit to Moscow since his election last month, said he would open a "new page" in relations with Russia.
At a joint new conference, Mr Medvedev said he hoped the "black streak" in relations would be over. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said he hoped the "black streak" in ties between the two nations would be over.
Tensions rose under Ukraine's previous Pro-Western administration.Tensions rose under Ukraine's previous Pro-Western administration.
Mr Yanukovych defeated the pro-Western candidate, Yulia Tymoshenko, in the election in February. Mr Yanukovich's predecessor, Viktor Yushenko, had wanted Ukraine to join Nato - a move strongly opposed by Moscow.
He says he wants good relations with Russia and the West, and has already visited EU headquarters in Brussels. Compromise
Mr Yanukovych stood as the pro-Russian candidate in Ukraine's 2004 election, but lost in a re-run vote following the Orange Revolution. After talks on Friday with the new Ukrainian president, Mr Medvedev said there could now be full cooperation at all levels.
Gas supplies The two presidents said ties between Russia and Ukraine would improve
Mr Yanukovich responded by saying that all major issues which had been causing tensions could now be dealt with.
On the Black Sea Fleet, he said the issue would be resolved soon in a way "that will satisfy both Russia and Ukraine".
The fleet is stationed in the port of Sevastapol in southern Ukraine, but its lease runs out in 2017 and its fate has long been a contentious issue between Moscow and Kiev.
The Kremlin is keen to extend the lease. Mr Yushchenko had opposed the move, but Mr Yanukovich has promised to seek a compromise.
Mr Yanukovich defeated pro-Western candidate Yulia Tymoshenko, in February' s presidential election.
Moscow is delighted that the pro-Western leaders of the Orange Revolution have now been defeated, the BBC's Richard Galpin reports from the Russian capital.Moscow is delighted that the pro-Western leaders of the Orange Revolution have now been defeated, the BBC's Richard Galpin reports from the Russian capital.
The big question is how far the reconciliation between Moscow and Kiev will go, our correspondent adds.The big question is how far the reconciliation between Moscow and Kiev will go, our correspondent adds.
Gas supplies may be a source of friction in the talks. Officials say the Ukrainian leader is expected to lobby for lower gas prices, as well as seek billions in loans from Russia to help cover the country's soaring budget deficit. Gas supplies may be a source of friction in the talks.
Other contentious issues include a border dispute and the fate of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in Ukraine's port of Sevastopol. Its lease is set to expire in 2017. Officials say the Ukrainian leader is expected to lobby for lower gas prices, as well as seek billions in loans from Russia to help cover the country's soaring budget deficit.
At the news conference, Mr Medvedev said Moscow and Kiev would continue discussions on the issue.
The Kremlin is keen to extend the lease, but Mr Yanukovych's pro-Western predecessor Viktor Yushchenko had opposed the move. Mr Yanukovych has promised to seek a compromise.