Kiev to ask WTO for improvements of Ukrainian economy

Kiev, accepted in the World Trade Organization 3 years ago, plans to initiate talks with WTO partners asking for improvements of Ukrainian economy, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said on Saturday. "Now it is time for us to start negotiations with the WTO and to change some terms in favor of our economy. We will do it," Azarov told an international forum. Ukraine has been trying to revise its 2009 agreement with Russian gas giant Gazprom which tied the gas price to the price for oil boosting Kiev's bill. However, Kiev declined to join the customs union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, a concession necessary to get a discount on Russian gas, and focused on integration with Europe. Ukraine will soon agree a free trade area with the European Union. Russia has said it was concerned with Ukraine's plans and was ready to take measures to defend its markets. Azarov said Ukraine intended to simplify trade relationships with the CIS and non-CIS countries. "We are now negotiating with 10 countries on establishment of free trade areas, including such a large partner as Turkey."