Gryshchenko hopes for signing of Association Agreement after elections in Ukraine

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kostiantyn Gryshchenko has said he hopes that the atmosphere in Ukraine's relations with the European Union will improve following fair parliamentary elections in the country.

"The text of the agreement is ready, and all technical procedures are finished. We think that we will hold fair elections and the atmosphere in our relations will change, as we'll pass on to a new stage," the minister said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine.

Hryschenko added that holding of democratic elections in Ukraine would send a positive signal to the EU.

"Considering this fact, there is no reason for not signing the Association Agreement by the end of this year. As I've said earlier, both Ukraine and the EU are interested in the document," he said.

When asked whether the criminal procedures against former Ukrainian Premier Yulia Tymoshenko and former Interior Minister of Ukraine Yuriy Lutsenko could influence the future of the Association Agreement, the minister said: "Unfortunately, they are trying to use the Tymoshenko case for their personal interests."

"We hope that after the elections this motivation will change, as we should work for the future of the country, and we should demonstrate pragmatism and take part in this future for this," Gryshchenko said.

The parliamentary elections will be held in Ukraine on Oct. 28, 2012.