By David Brunnstrom
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich promised the European Union on Monday he would keep Ukraine on the reform path and ensure it is a reliable transit route for Russian gas supplies.
Visiting Brussels ahead of Moscow on his first foreign visit as head of state, Yanukovich called for better ties with the EU but made clear he would also try to improve ties with Russia when he visits Moscow on Friday.
"We all know what Europe is expecting us to do...it wants us to take the road of reforms," he said after meeting EU leaders.
"Our imminent steps are primarily directed at achieving political stability ... overcoming the consequences of the economic crisis and going along the path of systemic economic reforms."
Yanukovich also sought to reassure the 27-country bloc over the flow of Russian energy supplies which have in the past been cut off during gas price disputes with Moscow. Europe is heavily dependent on these supplies.
"I have confirmed that Ukraine will remain a reliable transit country for the energy resources to Europe and will comply with all its commitments," he said.
Yanukovich, whose initial election as president was overturned by the 2004 "Orange Revolution" protests, is expected to tilt Ukraine closer towards Russia but is also keen to show he favours further integration with Europe.
"Our priorities will include integration into the European Union, bringing up friendly and constructive relations with the Russian Federation, and developing friendly relations with neighbouring partners ... and the strategic partner, the United States of America," he said.
EU WELCOMES VISIT BEFORE MOSCOW
The EU has welcomed Yanukovich's decision to visit Brussels before Moscow as a sign he is seeking balanced ties. It also wants a good relationship between Kiev and Moscow to avoid a repetition of rows that led to disruption to gas supplies.
Yanukovich has opposed Ukraine joining NATO, which his predecessor sought, but said Kiev would continue partnership programmes with the Western military alliance, including an agreement to contribute to its Rapid Response Force.
"As regards issues related to NATO, they are currently on the level that my predecessors have developed," he said. "As to the future, it's an issue to negotiate, to discuss. But the status of Ukraine is not going to change."
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso underlined the importance of Ukraine carrying out reforms, and rapid progress in modernisation and restructuring its gas sector.
"I believe it is the fundamental interest of the European Union and Ukraine to have stronger and closer ties," Barroso said. But he added: "Reforms are necessary."
"We need urgent progress on modernisation and restructuring of the gas sector," he said, reiterating a long-held EU demand.
Both sides backed speeding up talks on a broad EU-Ukraine cooperation agreement and Barroso said they discussed "an indicative date" of one year to conclude a free trade agreement.
Yanukovich said the two sides also discussed visa-free travel for Ukrainians to the 27-country EU. Progress was not expected on this from his initial meetings.
Barroso said successful talks with the IMF, which suspended a loan programme to Ukraine last year, would be a first step to an improved investment climate.
However, having defeated Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko only narrowly in a February 7 election run-off, Yanukovich could find that, like his predecessor as president, his ability to act is limited by political battles with her and with parliament.
Ukraine's parliament will hold a vote of no confidence in Tymoshenko's government on Wednesday as Yanukovich seeks to consolidate his power in the assembly.
If the vote succeeds, Tymoshenko and her government will remain until a new cabinet replaces them. The fickle factions in parliament would then begin weeks of horsetrading to replace the ruling coalition and create a new government.
(Editing by Charles Dick)
