19:28 24.02.2014

Ukraine's new leader urges EU to resume talks on association agreement

1 min read

Ukrainian acting President Oleksandr Turchynov and European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton discussed ways of normalizing the political and economic situation in Ukraine at a meeting on Monday, the Ukrainian parliament said in a statement.

Turchynov insisted that the EU immediately resume talks with Ukraine on an association agreement whose provisions would include a comprehensive free trade zone and liberalized visa regime between Ukraine and the EU.

"Ukraine's ongoing course of seeking European integration and financial assistance from the EU are important factors of ensuring stable, democratic development for Ukraine," he said.

Turchynov said Ukraine's current priorities were to form a new Cabinet and normalize local government. "It is our constitutional duty to protect our fellow citizens," he said, adding that those measures would stop economic degradation and make economic and social reforms possible.

Ashton expressed support for Ukraine and concurred with Turchynov's point that financial help from the EU is essential for the country to achieve its declared goals.

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