The United States is "very supportive" of Ukraine's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Secretary of State Richard Armitage said during his visit to Kyiv March 25.

Also, in response to a question, Armitage said the United States will send a Commerce Department official to Kyiv "in the near future" to discuss the issue of market economy status for Ukraine.

Department of State
Washington, D.C.

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 [World Trade Organization] 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.