Ukraine Seeks U.S. Support for WTO Bid

WASHINGTON, DC -- Ukraine's prime minister sought support Wednesday from the Bush administration in joining the World Trade Organization, which promotes free trade.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (R) meets with Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuriy Yekhanurov at the State Department in Washington, DC. US lawmakers called for Washington to lift sanctions inhibiting trade with Ukraine, saying the provisions are outdated
But Prime Minister Yuriy Yekhanurov said Ukraine's parliament also had to smooth the way as well.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, he said in Ukrainian that she assured him good relations with Ukraine were a priority for the Bush administration.

And, he said he had told Rice that he hoped the administration would ease the way to Ukraine's accession to the WTO.

The prime minister also had a meeting scheduled with Vice President Dick Cheney.

Source: AFP