Ukraine puts end to its political crisis: president

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said that the appointment of a new government and formation of a new parliamentary coalition marked an end to the political crisis in his country, local media reported Wednesday.

"We drew a line under the long-lasting parliamentary-governmental crisis," Poroshenko was quoted as saying during a meeting of the National Reform Council on late Tuesday.

Hailing the newly-appointed government and parliamentary coalition as professional and politically responsible, Poroshenko said that they both have much work ahead as the economic crisis in the country is not over.

As the priority tasks for the new authorities, he listed the fight against corruption, improvement of the business environment and the implementation of economic reforms.

Reforms of the public procurement system, financial sector, energy, health care, education and agriculture are essential to boost the Ukrainian economy, Poroshenko said.

Last week, the Ukrainian parliament approved the new government and formed the new parliamentary coalition, ending a months-long political deadlock that disrupted the country's reforms and threatened international aid for Kiev.

The political crisis started in Ukraine in late 2015, as the government and the parliament were unable to find common ground in dealing with the country's economic recession.

In mid-February, the former parliamentary majority collapsed over an alleged unfair no-confidence vote in parliament against former Prime Minister Arseny Yatsenyuk and his cabinet. Endi