U.S. Supports Ukraine's Foreign Policy

KYIV, Ukraine, July 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

U.S. Ambassador in Ukraine John Tefft believes that President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych follows the right foreign policy vector. This was stated during his interview while referencing the popular discussion issue on Ukraine's choosing between the European Union and the Customs Union, as reported by Den newspaper.

The U.S. sees Ukraine's future in Europe but understands that Russia remains its important neighbor and trade partner, said Ambassador Tefft during his interview.

He reiterated that the U.S. followed the constant foreign policy debate in Ukraine about what path to choose. "The president chose what I think is the right policy - Ukraine should be a part of Europe, while trying to maintain good relations with Russia. The U.S. does not have any objection to that," said Ambassador Tefft, reports Den.

"But when it comes to choosing a particular union, or when it comes to customs and other economic issues, the EU, in my opinion, holds great promise," said the U.S. diplomat.

On May 13, 2013, United States Secretary of State John Kerry addressed Ukraine's drive toward European integration adding: "and we are particularly committed to helping Ukraine work to become a prosperous European democracy, and we appreciate their commitment to that."

Notably, on May 29, 2013, the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council - the governing body of the Customs Union of Kazakhstan, Russia, and Belarus - has agreed to grant Ukraine an observer status. And yet, Ukraine's participation in the work of the Customs Union and the signed memorandum to enhance cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Commission do not contradict Ukraine's WTO membership and the strategic course toward European integration through the Association Agreement and the establishment of a deep and comprehensive free trade area with the EU, assured President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych.

In the meantime, Ukraine has been focusing on fulfilling the criteria required for signing the Association Agreement and the free trade zone agreement with the EU. All branches of the government, as well as the opposition and civil society will have to coordinate their efforts in order to reach a success, concluded President Yanukovych during his meeting with Vice-President of the European Parliament Jacek Protasiewicz earlier this year.