For the US, Kuchma's current presidential term is his second. This was stated by US Deputy Secretary of State Elizabeth Jones during a press conference dedicated to issues of American-Ukrainian relations, held on Friday via a digital channel from Washington.\n\n"President Kuchma has publicly and clearly stated, including to us, that he does not intend to run for a third term. This is a decision that we support and believe is a very correct decision," said Jones.\n\n"We are convinced that he [Kuchma] will adhere to his decision," added Ms. Jones.\n\nResponding to a question about a possible visit by Kuchma to the US, Jones noted that "this issue has not yet been discussed."\n\nThe US Deputy Secretary of State emphasized that her country considers Ukraine very important for the United States, and values Ukraine's aspiration to join Euro-Atlantic institutions. The US also supports the activities of "Ukraine's economic representatives in their efforts to join the WTO."\n\nAt the same time, Jones was unable to answer the question of when the United States would be ready to sign with Ukraine a protocol on mutual access to markets for goods and services, which for Ukraine is currently one of the most important conditions for joining the World Trade Organization.