Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko has assured Washington, a key backer of his pro-Western Orange Revolution, that the ex-Soviet state will stick to its reform path despite political upheaval.
Mr Yushchenko on Thursday fired the government of Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko in what he said was a bid to end infighting and allegations of mass corruption. Ms Tymoshenko was a crucial ally in the presdient's ascension to power last year.
"The changes are aimed at strengthening democracy and building efficient government and will in no way change Ukraine's strategic course - integration into Euroatlantic structures and a strategic partnership with the United States," his press service quoted him as telling US President George W Bush by telephone.
The White House said Mr Bush called Mr Yushchenko yesterday and urged him to adhere to the principles of the popular movement that brought him to power.
Mr Yushchenko, who is scheduled to visit the United States on Tuesday, said he looked to Washington for support in Ukraine's entry talks with the World Trade Organisation.
He has proposed Yury Yekhanurov, a liberal economist and regional governor, as prime minister to replace Ms Tymoshenko who has said she will fight against Mr Yushchenko's supporters in a parliamentary election next March.
The election will redraw Ukraine's political landscape and the Mr Yushchenko bloc will need to score a decisive win and ensure pro-reform majority as his presidential powers could be reduced after the poll.