Ukraine should move towards European integration, as it is envisaged in the law on the principles of foreign policy, and the government's desire to draw the country into the Customs Union contradicts the national interests of Ukraine, UDAR MP Rostyslav Pavlenko has said.
“The parliament should prevent a sharp change in the foreign policy course of the country. The law passed by the parliament of the previous convocation clearly states that European integration is the choice and objective of Ukraine. Therefore, accession to the Customs Union contradicts national legislation. Opposition forces will do everything to prevent the ratification of documents on integration into the Customs Union,” the press service of the UDAR Party quoted Pavlenko as saying on Sunday.
He noted that the Ukraine-EU summit would be held in February 2013 and that the sides would discuss the signing of the association agreement, including the creation of a free trade area between Ukraine and the EU.
“A lot will depend on how seriously the Ukrainian authorities treat the issues that the European Union has to Ukraine. These are issues of refusal from selective justice, changes in the electoral law, the investigation of violations during the elections, and the implementation of reforms, which the opposition forces in parliament is also demanding from the authorities,” Pavlenko said.
He noted that by February 2013 the country has a chance to start changes in this direction and initiate them in the executive branch of government and in parliament.
“If that happens, we can say that political steps bringing Ukraine and the EU close to the signing of the agreement will be made in February,” Pavlenko said.
