KIEV, Ukraine, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- Leaders of the European Union called on Ukraine to get its political house in order so it can move forward with needed government and economic reforms.
Officials from the EU met with Ukraine officials in Kiev Friday and said the upcoming parliamentary election in Ukraine would be a key step toward getting the country's reform program back on track and strengthening its ties with the rest of Europe.
Ukraine voters go to the polls Sept. 30 to decide between the factions led by President Viktor Yuschenko and Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych. The EU Observer said Saturday the prime minister is friendlier to neighboring Russia.
The Observer said the pre-election campaign has been bitter and has pushed reform efforts on to a back burner pending the outcome of the election.
