European Union (EU) Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighborhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner extended on Monday her welcome to the agreement reached by Ukrainian leaders on parliamentary election date.

"I welcome the agreement reached on holding parliamentary elections in Ukraine on 30 September. I am delighted that the political impasse of the past weeks has been solved at the negotiating table," Ferrero-Waldner said in a written statement.

"I trust that the agreement will be a start of a constructive process that will lead towards holding democratic elections in accordance with international standards, and towards a true consolidation of democracy and the rule of law in Ukraine," she said. The commissioner called upon all political forces in Ukraine to engage in an inclusive constitutional reform process, "with a view to establishing a balanced constitutional system in Ukraine, with appropriate checks and balances."

Earlier on Sunday, Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko said he had reached an agreement with Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych to hold parliamentary elections on Sept. 30.

Source: Xinhua