KIEV, Jan. 9 - The conditions for high inflation will remain in 2008, being fueled by an increase in imported gas prices and a planned rise in budget spending, the nominal growth of which is expected at 34%, Kiev-based Troika Dialog Ukraine company said in an overview on Ukraine's economy.

KIEV, Jan. 10 - The monetary base in Ukraine in 2007 grew by 46%, to UAH141.9 billion, while monetary stock expanded by 52.2%, to UAH397.4 billion, the National Bank of Ukraine reported.

KIEV, Jan. 10 – President Viktor Yushchenko on Thursday submitted a number of bills for Parliament’s urgent approval, including a bill that increases his powers while nominating the prime minister, foreign and defense ministers.

KIEV, Jan. 10 – Ukraine’s biggest natural gas supplier, UkrGaz-Energo, warned on Thursday that 2008 gas supplies are at risk of disruption following the government’s unexpected move to cancel the company’s supply license.

KIEV, Jan. 10 – Naftogaz Ukrayiny, the shipper of Russian natural gas to the European Union, warned on Thursday that excessive taxes will probably force the company to reduce investments upgrading its gas pipeline network.

KIEV, Jan. 10 ??“ Ukraine??™s political leaders have tentatively agreed on Wednesday to work together to try to avert a looming constitutional crisis over powers enjoyed by the president and by the prime minister.

KIEV, Jan. 10 ??“ Oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia via Ukraine resumed late Wednesday after a deal between Belarus and Russia had ended a two-day stand-off that had strained energy deliveries throughout Europe.

KIEV, Jan. 10 ??“ Ukraine??™s foreign exchange reserves rose by 14.8% on the year to $22.26 billion at the end of December 2006, the National Bank of Ukraine reported on Tuesday.

KIEV, Jan. 10 ??“ Prime Minister Yuriy Yekhanurov, whose government was dismissed by Parliament on Tuesday, said it was important to keep the recently signed natural gas agreement with Russia despite the criticism.

KIEV, Jan. 10 ??“ Former Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych, who leads the biggest opposition group in Parliament, said Tuesday lawmakers should form the new government after sacking Prime Minister Yuriy Yekhanurov.