Yanukovych Calls On EU To Relax Visa Rules For Ukranians

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has said in Athens that the European Union should make it easier for Ukrainians to get tourist visas and do business within its member-states.

Yanukovych, who was speaking following a meeting with Greek President Carolos Papoulias, also said Ukraine wants to finalize an agreement for an enlarged trade exchange zone.

Yanukovych has said he expects his country to join the 27-nation European Union within 10 years.

But the EU has in recent months heavily criticized Yanukovych's government over its criminal prosecution of his one-time election rival and current opposition leader, Yulia Tymoshenko.

compiled from agency reports