Ukraine's future depends on European integration - Yanukovych
KYIV. May 30 (Interfax) - Ukraine's future depends on a European integration process, President Viktor Yanukovych said.
"We certainly expect a positive decision at the Vilnius summit. The country's further development and reforms are interrelated with European integration issues," Yanukovych said at a meeting with European Parliament Vice President Jacek Protasiewicz in Kyiv on Thursday.
Ukraine "attaches particular significance to dialogue with the European Union and the European Parliament and favors the expansion of these relations," he said.
"The Ukrainian government's efforts are aimed at implementing criteria essential for signing an association agreement and a free trade area," the president said.
Yanukovych said he was sure that, to attain a final result, "there is a need for concerted efforts of not only all government branches, but also the opposition and civil society."
"We are willing to continue supporting the Eastern Partnership's initiatives and are ready to make efforts to further expand our cooperation," he said.
Protasiewicz thanked Yanukovych for his personal contribution to the fact that preparations for signing an association agreement are continuing.
"Your personal decision to free [former Interior Minister] Yury Lutsenko and [former Environment Protection Minister] Heorhy Filipchuk has provided a special incentive to the development of our relations," he said.
