On Wednesday, the Ukrainian Supreme Rada [parliament] voted down the ratification of the Agreement on Free Trade with Moldova, signed by two Presidents last November. Of the 433 Ukrainian deputies present in the room, only 146 voted for the ratification, 15 were against, and 272 abstained from voting at all.

Commenting the event to Infotag today, Moldovan Prime Minister Vasily Tarlev expressed hope the Rada would return to that issue one day. He voiced regret over the Ukrainian legislature's reluctance.

"The decision to draw up and sign such this trade agreement was taken by the sides voluntarily and by mutual consent. The document, supported by both Governments, was signed by Presidents Voronin and Kuchma. Prior to the signature, the Agreement was scrutinized by Moldovan and Ukrainian experts - to the last word. The document is in harmony with requirements of the World Trade Organization, which Moldova is a member of, and which Ukraine seeks to join", said the Moldovan Premier.

He reminded that Ukraine is one of Moldova's biggest and important-most trade partners. "We will certainly clarify with our Ukrainian colleagues what the differences in the Rada were about, and which clauses in the document caused the legislature's objections. We do hope this situation of an uncertainty will be overcome eventually", Tarlev said.