Ukraine defends seizure of Yalta lighthouse

By Aussiegirl

In a continuing game of titsky-for-tatsky, Ukraine has denied Russia access to a Yalta lighthouse. Talks are currently underway to resolve the dispute. Russia leases the Crimean port of Sevastopol until the year 2017. In the recent gas dispute Ukraine threatened to increase the rent to "market prices".

Ukraine Defends Seizure Of Yalta Lighthouse - RADIO FREE EUROPE / RADIO LIBERTY:

"Ukraine's Foreign Ministry today defended the seizure of a Russian-manned lighthouse at the Yalta commercial port, saying all Crimea's hydrographic navigation facilities were the property of the central government.

Ministry spokesman Vasyl Filipchuk spoke to RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service after Russia accused Ukraine's state hydrographic services of forcibly taking possession of the Yalta lighthouse.

"All hydrographic navigation facilities on the Crimean shore, including the lighthouse of Yalta's commercial port, are Ukrainian property. The basic agreements outlining the rules of the (Russian) Black Sea Fleet's temporary stationing on Ukrainian territory make no provisions for leasing out any hydrographic navigation facilities to the Black Sea Fleet."