BERLIN, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Monday that Germany will continue to support Ukraine's reform and development following Sunday's parliamentary election.

    "Germany would continue to support Ukraine's reform course and its rapprochement with the European Union," said Steinmeier.

    Meanwhile, the minister urged Ukraine's political parties to cooperate and form a stable government.

    The "elections represent a genuine opportunity for a fresh start in Ukraine and the chance to overcome the political crisis that has gripped the country," he said.

    Initial election results showed the pro-west politician Yulia Tymoshenko's party has won the election with one-third of votes, which analysts said might signal a shift of Ukraine's political direction.