KIEV (AP) -- Ukraine's foreign minister resigned Tuesday, saying a month long struggle between him and the government dominated by a Russia-leaning party risked damaging the country's international reputation.

President Viktor Yushchenko, who had appointed Borys Tarasyuk, accepted the resignation and called it "a responsible step," according to the presidential press office.

Tarasyuk, who advocates policies such as NATO membership, had been feuding for a month with the government run by Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych. Tarasyuk said he decided to resign because the conflict could hurt Ukraine's international image.

"As a politician, as a diplomat and as a citizen I believe that it is impossible to drag out with it any more," Tarasyuk said.

The resignation reflects the struggle in Ukrainian politics between Yushchenko and the more Russian-leaning Yanukovych to determine who has the upper hand.

Yanukovych appears to have the stronger hand, particularly after parliament approved a new law this month outlining Cabinet powers.

Yushchenko had vetoed the measure, saying it undermined the balance of power between the president and ministers, but lawmakers determine him.