Ukraine economy minister quits in blow to reform hopes

Ukraine's Economy Minister, Lithuanian investment banker Aivaras Abromavicius speaks to deputies during a session of the parliament in Kiev, Ukraine in this December 2, 2014 file photo. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko/Files

KIEV (Reuters) - Ukrainian Economy Minister Aivaras Abromavicius quit on Wednesday saying his ministry was being hijacked by corrupt vested interests, dealing another blow to Western hopes that the country can reform itself.

In his statement, Abromavicius singled out a close ally of President Petro Poroshenko, accusing him of blocking the ministry's work and pressing for powerful jobs for placemen, with the support of the president's office. Poroshenko later responded by urging Abromavicius to stay, adding that the anti-corruption bureau would investigate the allegations.