Ukraine's leading English-language newspaper since 1995

Tigipko has said that implementing reforms in Ukraine will be the central goal of his work as deputy prime minister in the country's newly formed government. Serhiy Tigipko has said that implementing reforms in Ukraine will be the central goal of his work as deputy prime minister in the country's newly formed government.

"The implementation of reforms is more important to me than this post," Tigipko said at a news conference in Kyiv on Friday.

Ukraine has found itself in a dire economic situation today, and President Viktor Yanukovych's decision to form a committee for reforms will help resolve these problems, he said.

"In my opinion, joining the opposition would be pointless in this situation," he said.

Tigipko also said he would hold talks with representatives of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday.

"As for contacts with the World Bank and the IMF, my first meeting with them is due to take place today. We have already held meetings with the Finance Ministry and the Economy Ministry. We know their tentative positions. But I am not yet ready to speak about any final decisions," the deputy prime minister said.

It is important to continue cooperation with the IMF, Tigipko said.

"The suspension of the program [for cooperation with the IMF] means a red light for investors," he added.