February 19, 2006	Sunday	Muharram 20, 1427

KIEV, Feb 18: The United States announced on Friday that it had granted Ukraine market economy status, providing the nation’s pro-Western authorities with a symbolic boost weeks ahead of a key parliamentary election.

I’m pleased to announce that Ukraine has been granted market economy status as a result of economic... and institutional reforms, David Sampson, deputy secretary of the US Commerce department, told reporters after holding talks with Foreign Minister Boris Tarasyuk in Kiev.

Market economy status, which limits the scope of anti-dumping measures that Washington can impose on Ukrainian companies, is largely seen as a symbolic gesture in support of President Viktor Yushchenko.—AFP