Azarov, MEPs discuss situation in Ukraine, preparations for Vilnius summit

Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov and delegates from the European Parliament (EP) have discussed the situation in Ukraine and the preparations for the Eastern Partnership Summit due in Vilnius in late November 2013, according to the press service of the Ukrainian government.

Azarov met with a delegation of representatives of the European Conservatives and Reformists group that included Martin Callanan, Pawel Kowal, Charles Tannock, Ryszard Czarnecki, Adam Bielan, Frank Barrett, and EU Ambassador to Ukraine Jan Tombinski.

"We appreciate the support of a large group of EP members for our efforts towards European integration. I think that cooperation between such a big country as Ukraine with the EU will be a serious factor for the stabilization of the situation in Europe," the press service quoted Azarov as saying.

The premier briefed the delegates on Ukraine's preparations for the Eastern Partnership Summit. He said that noticeable transformations are taking place in all spheres in Ukraine.

He also said that Ukraine had managed to do without loans recently.

"While other states are obtaining credit support from the IMF, Ukraine on the contrary has been only returning funds for the last three years. We have returned over UAH 10 billion, and we have yet to return a serious amount," Azarov said.

In turn, MEP and Chairman the European Conservatives and Reformists group Martin Callanan said that he and his colleagues see Ukraine as an important European country.

"Ukraine definitely has a future as a European state. We hope that the Association Agreement will be signed, as it meets the interests of both Ukraine and the EU," he said.