BRUSSELS — Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych promised the European Union on Monday that he would keep Ukraine on the reform path and ensure it is a reliable transit route for Russian gas supplies.
Visiting Brussels ahead of Moscow on his first foreign visit as head of state, Yanukovych called for better ties with the EU but made clear that he would also try to improve ties with Russia when he visits Moscow on Friday.
"We all know what Europe is expecting us to do. … It wants us to take the road of reforms," he said after meeting EU leaders. "Our imminent steps are primarily directed at achieving political stability, … overcoming the consequences of the economic crisis and going along the path of systemic economic reforms."
Yanukovych also sought to reassure the EU over the flow of Russian energy supplies, which have in the past been cut off during gas price disputes with Moscow. Europe is heavily dependent on these supplies.
"I have confirmed that Ukraine will remain a reliable transit country for the energy resources to Europe and will comply with all its commitments," he said.
Yanukovych has opposed Ukraine joining NATO, which his predecessor sought, but he said Monday that Kiev would continue partnership programs with the Western military alliance, including an agreement to contribute to its Rapid Response Force.
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso underlined the importance of Ukraine carrying out reforms and rapid progress in modernizing and restructuring its gas sector.
"I believe it is the fundamental interest of the European Union and Ukraine to have stronger and closer ties," Barroso said. But he added, "Reforms are necessary."
Both sides backed speeding up talks on a broad EU-Ukraine cooperation agreement, and Barroso said they discussed "an indicative date" of one year to conclude a free trade agreement.
Yanukovych said the two sides also discussed visa-free travel for Ukrainians.
Barroso said successful talks with the IMF, which suspended a loan program to Ukraine last year, would be a first step to an improved investment climate.
However, having defeated Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko only narrowly in a Feb. 7 election run-off, Yanukovych may find, like his predecessor, that as president his ability to act is limited by political battles with her and with the parliament.
Ukraine's parliament will hold a vote of no confidence in Tymoshenko's government on Wednesday. If the vote succeeds, Tymoshenko and her government will remain until a new Cabinet replaces them. The fickle factions in the parliament would then begin weeks of horse-trading to replace the ruling coalition and create a new government.
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