You're reading: Azarov, Ashton discuss political situation in Ukraine

Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov met with EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Vice President of the European Commission Catherine Ashton in Brussels on May 15, according to the Web site of the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers.

The two officials discussed topical issues of Ukraine-EU relations, including the prospects for concluding the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement.

Ashton told Azarov about the results of the discussion of the Ukrainian issue at a meeting of the EU foreign ministers on May 14.

They paid special attention to the political situation in Ukraine. The Ukrainian premier briefed the high representative about the reforms implemented in Ukraine.

He assured her that Ukraine was trying to make the most transparent and constructive response possible to all criticism from the EU.

In particular, the Prime Minister drew attention to the adoption by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine of a new Criminal Procedure Code, which should radically change the principles in criminal proceedings, the reforms in tax and customs areas, as well as the ongoing deregulation of the economy.

According to Azarov, at this stage, the Ukrainian government has done its best to prepare to hold fair and democratic parliamentary elections. In particular, the laws on elections, on non-governmental organizations, on public information were adopted.

Ashton in turn said that Ukraine’s observance of the rule of law and holding transparent and democratic parliamentary election this fall would be crucial for the pace of political association and economic integration with the EU.