Yanukovych: Signing of Association Agreement with EU by november remains Ukraine's priority

President Viktor Yanukovych has assured EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy Stefan Fule that Ukraine would exert maximum effort for signing the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement in November.

"We have thoroughly studied the European Union's signals concerning our future relations. We are proceeding with the reforms that we launched in 2010, including the reforms aimed at eliminating the flaws that were reported during the parliamentary elections. Ukraine appreciates the European Union's expert assistance, particularly in improving our legislation and realigning it with European legislation. I hope this cooperation will further be fruitful and positive," Yanukovych said. He admitted to mistakes and slow progress in implementing new laws and reforms, which he attributed to "natural obstacles put by populist politicians and officials who are used to red-tape practices". "The agreement on political association and free trade with the EU remains our priority and number one task for this short period until November. We realize that in certain areas we have to achieve much greater progress than we have now," Yanukovych said. The EU Commissioner conveyed greetings to President Yanukovych from European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso. "He is looking forward to meeting you in Brussels on February 25th. He is looking forward to the summit which he believes to be extremely important," Fule said.