US Welcomes Ukraine's Eu Association Agreement

Ukraine's leaders have ratified an association agreement with the European Union, the U.S. State Department has said.



The agreement ratified by Ukraine's Parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, on Tuesday was backed by 355 out of 381 parliamentarians.



U.S. Deputy State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said in a statement:  "By forging ahead with this agreement in the face of great challenges, Ukraine's leaders have carried out the will of the Ukrainian people, who demonstrated their overwhelming support for further integration with Europe last winter and with their votes in the May 25 presidential elections."



The European Parliament in Strasbourg simultaneously approved the agreement, which brings about a gradual strengthening of political and economic ties between the EU and Ukraine. 



The pact is seen a step towards EU ascension for Ukraine.



Ukraine witnessed a massive wave of anti-government protests after former President Viktor Yanukovych refrained from signing the agreement in November last year, in favor of closer ties with Russia.



The economic component of the agreement, which includes Ukraine becoming part of the EU's free-trade zone, will not be implemented until the end of 2015 due to protests from Russia, which has opposed the EU gaining further ground in neighboring Ukraine.



Also on Tuesday, the rada passed new laws granting greater autonomy for pro-Russian populations in the east of the country for three years, and amnesty for some of the separatists who fought against the Kiev government.



Harf said: "We call on Russia and the separatists it backs to reciprocate and begin immediate and full implementation of the 12 steps of the ceasefire agreement.



"The way is open for peace, but it is now incumbent on Russia and the separatists it supports to honor their ceasefire commitments and respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity."



The U.S. and its European allies blame Russia for fomenting unrest and backing separatist rebels in the east of the country.



Moscow has blamed Western government for fomenting the unrest which led to Yanukovych fleeing the country.



More than 3,000 people have died during the conflict.



www.aa.com.tr/en - Washington DC