Ukraine Will Live According to European Standards - President Yanukovych

KYIV, Ukraine, November 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Kyiv's course toward Europe did not change; the country will continue the process of European integration and live following European standards. This was stated by the President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych in today's interview with Ukrainian TV channels. The country made a decision concerning the signing of the Association Agreement with the European Union; however, the exact conditions of the signing remain of great importance and should reflect the interests of the Ukrainian people, he said.

Ukraine should sign the association with the EU on equal terms, as partners, explained the president. Remarkably, human rights, equality before the law, freedom of choice and social security are key factors, required to build a strong European state. This statement was released by the president in the official address to Ukrainian citizens on November 26, 2013. The speech followed the earlier resolution of the government to halt preparations to sign trade agreements with the EU. The state policy will remain consistent with the European way and there is no alternative to building a society of European standards in Ukraine, assured the head of state.

On November 21, 2013, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has adopted the resolution, which suspended the preparation process for the signing of the Association Agreement and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement between Ukraine and the EU. The resolution, which triggered national public protests, is claimed to be aimed at restoring the lost production output and areas of trade and economic relations with Russia and other CIS member states, form the level of domestic market which eventually would provide equal trading opportunities for Ukraine and the EU member states.

According to the resolution, the government instructed the relevant Ukrainian ministries to offer the European Union and the Russian Federation to form a tripartite commission to design the way to restore the lost production output, expand and promote international trade, further liberalize markets and adjust the regulatory framework to foster business activities.

Notably, in mid-August Russia has imposed trade sanctions by completely stalling and consequently resuming exports from Ukraine employing additional control measures. Reportedly, the move was to pressure Ukraine to abandon the signing of the Association Agreement with the EU and was widely condemned by the European officials.