KIEV, Aug. 27 - The Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council has ordered to the government to ensure the diversification of natural gas sources, suppliers, routes and methods of transportation.

Under a decree issued by President Viktor Yushchenko on Aug. 27, enacting an NSDC decision of June 5, this diversification will be ensured by gas supplies from the Caspian and Central Asian countries, participation in oil and gas field exploration and operation projects in Africa and the Middle East and the construction of liquefied gas terminals.