05/02/2008 (Agence Europe) - In an opening speech to the annual New Ukraine in New Europe Conference on Monday 4 February, EU High Representative for the CFSP Javier Solana said: 'There is much reason to be optimistic over Ukraine. The trend is clear. Ukraine is moving forward. Democratic elections have demonstrated that the population has taken control of politics and that politicians feel the need to be accountable… Ukraine is an increasingly important European player, also in the field of foreign and security policy. We are negotiating a new agreement to deepen our partnership. This agreement will also include a robust section on political dialogue and foreign and security policy. This will enable use to move forward to a new level in our already flourishing foreign policy partnership.' Successful areas of partnership cited by Solana include cooperation on searching for solutions to the so-called frozen conflicts (particularly Transnistria) and Ukraine's participation in EU crisis management operations. (O.J.)