KIEV, March 13 -- The Ukrainian parliament on Thursday passed a resolution to confirm Kiev' s commitment to following the course for integration with the European Union (EU).

The measure, which is aimed at signing the association agreement between Ukraine and the 28-member bloc, was supported by 252 lawmakers in the 450-seat assembly.

"The course for European integration has been fully restored," Alexandr Turchynov, Ukrainian Parliament speaker said after the resolution was passed.

The parliament authorized Prime Minister Arseny Yatsenyuk to sign the landmark partnership agreement with the EU on behalf of Ukraine as soon as possible.

The parliament also ordered the government to step up efforts needed for the signature of the pact, in particular to complete the administrative reforms and amend legislation regarding the fight against corruption.

Earlier this month, Brussels has suggested Kiev signing of political chapters of an association agreement. The EU also opened its market unilaterally to some Ukrainian goods.

Ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych had put on hold the deal with EU and chose instead a bailout loan package from Russia, which triggered massive anti-government protests that eventually led to his ouster.