President Yushchenko Issues Decree On C.I.S. Common Economic Space

Yushchenko signed a decree saying Ukraine would speed up the pace of integration with the Common Economic Space in the C.I.S. Concorde Capital: Yushchenko signed the decree to show he supports friendly relations with Russia. However, he maintains that Ukraine?s only goal is a free trade zone, not full economic integration, as supported by Russia. This is smart strategic move by the President to appease Ukraine?s pro-Russian electorate ahead of the 2006 parliamentary election campaign.