Ukraine parliament approves Yanukovich's government

KIEV, Aug 4 (Reuters) Ukraine's parliament today approved ministers proposed by new Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich, and named his ally Mykola Azarov as first deputy prime minister and finance minister.

Azarov, a close ally of Yanukovich, held the same jobs when Yanukovich was previously prime minister in 2002-04. A new economy minister -- Volodymyr Makukha -- was appointed. Makhukha was previously in the foreign ministry.

Foreign Minister Boris Tarasyuk and Defence Minister Anatoly Hrytsenko, leading advocates of Ukraine's drive closer to the European Union and NATO, remained in their posts.

Reuters VJ GC0218