KIEV, July 2 – Ukraine expects a response from its partners in Europe and Russia to its proposal to create a joint venture on the construction of a new gas pipeline across its territory, President Viktor Yanukovych said.

"As for the gas transport system, we have our own strategy that we proposed to our colleagues in the EU and Russia. This strategy suggests creating a joint venture with the participation of the European Union, Russia and Ukraine. I mean the construction of a gas pipeline across Ukraine that would have ensured the additional pumping of gas required for Europe," he said at a joint press conference with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Kiev on Friday.