Ukraine negotiating observer status in Customs Union, says Azarov

11:54, 19.03.2013 1 min read

Ukraine intends to obtain observer status in the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan, the country's premier has announced.

"We are holding talks on cooperation in a format in which Ukraine could become an observer at the Customs Union," Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov told a Tuesday press conference in Kyiv.

He explained that if such a cooperation format is used, Ukraine's representative at the Customs Union could participate in decision making in a consultative capacity.

"He [an observer representing Ukraine] will not make decisions, but he will have the right to express our position," Azarov said.

According to the premier, in such a format Ukraine could be aware of any decisions approved by the Customs Union members, and won't be presented with a fait accompli. Thus, Ukraine could influence some decisions if they affect its interests.

"I mean we could work with the governments of these countries and correct these decisions. I think such form of work in the Customs Union could, first of all, preserve Ukraine's sovereignty in decision making," he said.