While pointing out that the agreement on the creation of the CES with Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia was reached under a different Ukrainian president, Tarasyuk confirmed that Ukraine's current President Viktor Yushchenko is interested in "developing relations" with CES nations.
"We are ready to commit ourselves so far as our involvement does not interfere with our integration into Europe. As this and WTO membership are our priorities, we are prepared to cooperate with the CES to create a free trade zone. This is as far as we are prepared to commit ourselves," Tarasyuk said.
He also said former Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma made the stipulation in signing the agreement on forming the CES that all projects must be carried out in accordance with Ukraine's constitution. The issue of constitutionality is again being heatedly debated in the country at all levels.
Tarasyuk said creating the CES is a necessary step towards creating a free trade zone.
"In 1993, Ukraine and Russia signed an agreement on a free trade zone, and in 1994 the agreement was signed by the 12 CIS countries. Neither of these agreements have been implemented," he said. "In the last 12 years, Russia has not ratified the agreement... It is perfectly logical to be seeing the idea of a free trade zone from an entirely different standpoint after 12 years. We should now try to make it a reality, there is nothing stopping us."
