UKRAINE GETS ENCOURAGING SIGNAL FROM EUROPEAN UNION…

The European Union’s executive trio (comprised of its current, immediate past, and next presiding country) issued yesterday in the name of the Union’s 15 member countries a statement of support for Ukraine’s "full integration in the family of European nations." It said that "Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity are fundamental to Europe’s security" and that Ukraine has "achieved significant progress in strengthening democracy." In expectation of continuing progress, the EU will support Ukraine’s accession to the World Trade Organization, will consider Ukraine’s request for recognition as a country with a transitional economy (entitling it to facilities in trade with the EU), and will accelerate implementation of the EU-Ukraine partnership and cooperation agreement. (Reuter, Interfax-Ukraine, May 21)

…Seeks to Reduce Dependence on Russian Oil.