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Ukraine cannot be full-fledged Customs Union member – diplomat

MOSCOW, September 5 (Itar-Tass) — Ukrainian Foreign Minister Konstantin Grishchenko said there are no real opportunities for his country’s full-fledged participation in the Customs Union.

Grishchenko said so after talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Monday. "There are no real opportunities for Ukraine's full-fledged participation in the Customs Union," he noted, "but this issue is discussed at various levels, including the economic one. Hopefully, the arguments of the parties will be heard."

"Relations between the two states should develop on the basis of strategic partnership, where the balance of interests is taken into account," Grishchenko said, "our proposals were forwarded for consideration to Customs Union's bodies."

"So far, we have not received a formal answer. We conduct consultations not only in Moscow but also in other capitals. We're hoping for a positive result," the Ukrainian diplomat said.