Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych said on Tuesday he would continue to implement democratic reform.
"I will not let the country stray from the path of democratic reform for the benefit of a handful of irresponsible politicians," he said in a statement to mark the 19th anniversary of the country's independence.
He promised to implement further economic and judicial reforms.
"I know it will take huge effort and numerous resources for us to become truly economically independent," he said.
The Ukrainian leader named three short-term aims for his country: "humanizing society, economic modernization and reaching European living standards."
"My reforms are systematic in nature, they target all spheres of the country's life, they are aimed at making Ukraine a democratic, economically developed welfare state," he said.
He also pledged political reforms in the country, which has seen numerous political crises since controversial constitutional amendments were introduced in 2004. The amendments limited presidential powers in favor of the parliament.
"I see new Ukraine as a state with a well-balanced political system... It includes a strong president, who has practical levers to coordinate and control the implementation of key reforms and the country's strategic course," he said.
In his address to the nation on Constitution Day in June, Yanukovych said that the 2004 reform had caused an "inbalance" and a "serious crisis of power" and proposed reviewing the constitution. About a week later, the Ukrainian parliamentary majority coalition, led by the pro-presidential Party of Regions, proposed holding a referendum on the issue.
The president also said that Ukraine was close to obtaining the status of an EU associate member and concluding a single economic space agreement with the 27-member organization.
"I'm convinced that the Ukraine-EU summit this autumn will be the defining step to this end," Yanukovych said.
KIEV, August 24 (RIA Novosti)
