Ukrainian PM says the country will continue efforts for EU integration

Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said Wednesday his country would continue to work toward European integration even as Kiev has suspended talks on a landmark deal with the European Union (EU).

“The negotiations on the signing of the association agreement will continue. We are working all the time to bring the country closer to European standards,” Azarov told a cabinet meeting.

Azarov called on Ukrainians to remain calm over Kiev’s decision to suspend the signing of an association agreement and a free-trade pact with the EU, as escalation of tensions between people and the government will weaken Ukraine’s position in talks with foreign partners.