Azarov 'unhappy that former government officials are in prison'

Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has said he is not happy that former government officials are in prison.

"We should create conditions to prevent the imprisonment of our predecessors and to avoid the persecution of incumbent officials," he said. When asked about the high level of corruption in Ukraine, Azarov said that it is not the main problem in the country.

Ukraine's course towards European integration remains unchanged, Azarov has said.

"We haven't changed our strategic course - it is clear, fundamental and is based on our economic and other interests," he said in an interview with Ukrainian TV channels on Thursday.

Azarov said that Ukraine and the European Union are in a dialogue on the court rulings in the criminal cases against Ukrainian opposition leaders, and added that the sides will find a compromise in the problem.

"We've translated the materials of the court proceedings into English, we made them understandable, and they have started evaluating the situation very carefully and seriously. There isn't such a simple position "you are wrong and we are right" today - a search for a compromise is underway. I think that we will achieve a compromise," the premier said.