EU fully supports Yanukovich
BRUSSELS. March 2. KAZINFORM. Europe fully supports Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich and his work for stabilising the situation in Ukraine, Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, said here on Monday after his meeting with Yanukovich; Kazinform refers to Itar-Tass.
"Viktor Yanukovich won the democratic elections and in this way he got the mandate of the nation for the restoration of stability in the country. We intend to cooperate with him in an effective and fruitful way," he said.
He said EU intended to work for promoting Ukraine's integration in the European economic structures, but made it clear that Ukraine's joining of EU was not on the agenda today. "Ukraine is certainly a European country by its culture, history and national heritage. I have always said that instead of speculating on the problem of Ukraine's joining EU, let us concentrate our efforts on concrete economic transformation, which will bring Ukraine closer to EU," he stressed.
Yanukovich confirmed, that "European integration is the priority task for Ukraine." At the same time, he stressed that Ukraine's rapprochement with EU could not go on at the expense of its relations with Russia. "Our relations with EU inevitably involve Russia, and vice versa," Yanukovich said. He promised to pursue a balanced foreign policy.
According to Barroso, the restoration of cooperation with the international Monetary Fund is the priority task for Ukraine. "The restoration of relations with IMF is of priority importance for Ukraine. EU will be able to grant 500 million euros as macroeconomic aid to Ukraine after it fulfils the terms set by IMF. This will ensure the restoration of the confidence of foreign investors in Ukraine," he stressed.
"Political stability and unity of Ukraine are the main conditions for the solution of its social and economic problems," Barroso said; Kazinform cites Itar-Tass. See www.itar-tass.com for full version.