Ukraine sees no alternative to EU integration

KYIV, May 17 (Xinhua) — Ukraine would continue its European path as there is no alternative to European integration for Kyiv, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said Thursday.

“We do not have plan B. And we’ll shoot all the issues that block or hamper the ratification of the free trade zone agreement with the EU,” Azarov said at a government meeting.

The EU, as one of Kyiv’s key partners, brought 40 billion U.S. dollars of direct investment to Ukraine in 2011, Azarov said.

In his speech, the premier said European integration has been a long-term foreign policy goal for Ukraine.

Azarov said during his visit to Brussels that he had conversations with many European officials, who have noted the “substantial progress” on Ukraine’s EU integration process.

Azarov said Ukraine and the EU have no fundamental splits, adding that Kyiv is ready to compromise with Brussels on any matters.

The EU and Ukraine in March initiated an association agreement that includes arrangements for a free-trade area and a roadmap for abolishing the visa regime for Ukrainian citizens.

However, EU member states have postponed ratifying the deal over “selective justice” in Ukraine, particularly the alleged maltreatment of imprisoned former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.

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