Ukrainian FM Says Ties With Moscow Must Be Restored

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Borys Tarasyuk (file photo) (epa)

KYIV, August 7, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Borys Tarasyuk says Kyiv must restore ties with Russia, which have been put on hold by the country's four-month struggle to form a government.

In an interview with RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, Tarasyuk says the two countries must solve long-running disputes and that the new prime minister's "first visit should be to Moscow. Many problems have accumulated, among them energy problems and questions relating to trade."

Last week, Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko endorsed the candidacy of his pro-Russian rival Viktor Yanukovych to be prime minister. The Ukrainian parliament approved the nomination on August 4.

Tarasyuk also said Ukraine's different political parties agree on the need to complete all legal procedures required to enter the World Trade Organization.