Richard L. Armitage, Deputy Secretary of State
Remarks After Meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Yanukovych
Kyiv, Ukraine
March 25, 2004
QUESTION:What are the prospects for Ukraine to join the WTO and get the status
of market economy?
DEPUTY SECRETARY ARMITAGE: On the question of WTO, we should support membership
but I understand there is some legislative process that has to be followed
here. But we are very supportive of Ukraine s accession to the WTO. On the
market economy status, as I understand it, there has to be a new petition. We
have one of our officials from the Commerce Department coming here in the near
future to discuss these matters with our friends in Kyiv.
QUESTION:When can the market access protocol with the U.S. be signed with
Ukraine?
DEPUTY SECRETARY ARMITAGE: I think, as our Ambassador said, the legislation
here is the crucial matter. You have got to have the legislation first. The key
to it is the legislation. It is not a question of optical media.
QUESTION: Do you think, by the end of 2004, Ukraine can get accession to the
WTO?
DEPUTY SECRETARY ARMITAGE: My crystal ball is as cloudy as yours. Thank you all
very much.
[End]
Released on March 25, 2004