Ukraine to sign EU agreement in 12 months?

"We hope […] that it will be possible to sign an agreement with Ukraine, perhaps in November [2013] at the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius,” PM Donald Tusk said on Wednesday at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin.

The 'associate agreement' would strengthen political, trade, social, cultural and security between the EU and the ex-Soviet state.

Tusk added that both the Polish and German governments “agreed that patience is also needed in relations with Ukraine and an understanding of the geopolitical situation,” referring to issues such as the continuing imprisonment of former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, currently serving seven years in jail for “abuse of power” when making an energy deal with Russia in 2008.

The EU and US have said that the trial and imprisonment of one of the heroes of the 'Orange Revolution' in Ukraine has been “politically motivated”.

President Victor Yanukovich's Party of the Regions won Ukraine's general election this month, though observers said that the ballot fell below 'free and fair' standards.

Chancellor Angela Merkel said today that if necessary reforms are enacted then "we will be ready to sign the agreement - if the appropriate conditions are met". (pg)

source: PAP