Ukraine seeks observer status with Customs Union - Premier Azarov
KYIV. March 19 (Interfax) - Ukraine plans to become an observer with the Customs Union, formed by Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.
"We are holding talks today that center on a format for cooperation, which would also allow Ukraine to become an observer with the Customs Union," Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said at a press conference in Kyiv on Tuesday.
Such a format would permit a Ukrainian envoy to the Customs Union to voice Kyiv's approach to different issues, he said.
"He [the observer] will not contribute to decision making, but will be able to express our opinion," Azarov said.
In this case, Ukraine would be informed about decisions adopted by the Customs Union member states in advance, he said.
Apart from that, Kyiv would be able to propose adjusting the union's decisions during any stage of progress if they would harm Ukrainian interests, Azarov said.
"It means that we will be able to work together with the governments of these countries and influence these decisions. In my opinion, such a form of participation in the Customs Union's work will primarily allow Ukraine to maintain its sovereignty regardless of any decisions adopted [by the union]," he said.
Ukraine's observer status with the union will help avoid discriminatory measures in mutual trade with the organization's member countries, Azarov said.
"We have agreed upon an important principle that we will not seek any privileges, but let's act in a way that will help prevent any discriminatory measures in relation to Ukraine," the premier said.
"This is the kind of status we would like to have: we are not members of the Customs Union and do not seek any privileges and preferences, but we agree to avoid any discriminatory measures in mutual trade between our countries," he said.
