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Ukraine-EU agreement signing problems to be discussed with Russia

The purpose of the tripartite talks is to remove disagreements and sign the agreement on association in the free trade zone with the EU on terms favorable for Ukraine

KIEV, November 27. /ITAR-TASS/. Ukraine believes it is possible to settle problems related to the signing of the Ukrainian-EU Association Agreement in tripartite format with Russia’s participation, Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolai Azarov said on Wednesday.

According to the premier, they have a plan to settle disagreements that "have emerged in the triangle of interests of Ukraine, the European Union and Russia. So, it is logic that they may be settled in the tripartite format. Those who close eyes to it — they actually block the process of signing the Association Agreement," he said, noting the position was based on Ukraine's national interests.

With the proposal for discussion in the tripartite format (Ukraine, the EU and Russia), Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich will participate in the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius, Azarov said.

The purpose of the tripartite talks is to remove disagreements and sign the agreement on association in the free trade zone with the EU on terms favorable for Ukraine, without losing markets in Russia or the EU. "What do we want to achieve? First, to restore the normal trade and economic regime with Russia and, second, to agree on concrete aid, on the market basis, that the EU's stronger economy may provide to Ukraine’s economy during the transitional period.

Ukraine remains in the negotiating process and remains in the Eastern Partnership project, and the government intends to use the pause in the process of preparation for signing the Association Agreement "to continue improving the Ukrainian legislation to be based on European principles, improving democratic standards, sooner introducing the EU technical regulations in economy and improving the ability of economy to compete," he noted.

In this connection, the prime minister instructed the Foreign Ministry together with the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade to ensure holding of tripartite consultations, draw up an agenda and propose practical steps to open the way to sign the Association Agreement.