Ukraine's new leaders have stopped short of rejecting membership in a new Moscow-led economic bloc of four ex-Soviet republics, but say the plan could hurt their European Union aspirations
Published:
22 February 2005 y., Tuesday
Ukraine's new leaders have stopped short of rejecting membership in a new Moscow-led economic bloc of four ex-Soviet republics, but say the plan could hurt their European Union aspirations.
After meetings Monday with Russia's visiting foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, Ukraine's President Viktor Yuschenko and foreign minister, Boris Tarsyuk, made clear the importance of strategic relations with their giant eastern neighbor. But they also emphasized their commitment to Ukraine's becoming a full member of the EU and of NATO.
Mr. Yushchenko's predecessor, Leonid Kuchma, agreed to Ukraine's joining the new bloc, which includes Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, but Kiev's participation is now in doubt under its new pro-Western president.
Mr. Yuschenko is to meet EU leaders in Brussels this week. EU officials say they are not ready to offer Ukraine membership, but have proposed a plan to strengthen ties.
Šaltinis:
VOA News
Copying, publishing, announcing any information from the News.lt portal without written permission of News.lt editorial office is prohibited.
The most popular articles
A candle lit vigil for the victims of the bombing and shooting incident over the weekend.
more »
Jennifer Boriss, a Firefox dev, went to the mall seeking test subjects to help improve the browser.
more »
Researchers at North Carolina State University have created and eco-friendly super absorbent foam they say could revolutionise efforts to purify drinking water in developing countries and disaster-stricken areas.
more »
Protesting taxi drivers clash with riot police outside the transport ministry after government talks fail.
more »
Israeli student designs a low-cost solution for shoe addicts.
more »
Chinese basketball player Yao Ming announces his retirement from the NBA.
more »
Scientists in the UK have discovered the molecule that causes pain in sunburn and say further research could lead to treatments for other inflammatory conditions like arthritis and cystitis.
more »
A travelling puppet theatre charms Lithuanian children as the horse-drawn show brings stories alive on a pop-up stage.
more »
A Taiwanese textile company is using waste coffee grounds to make an environmentally friendly fabric that dries fast and controls odours.
more »
After six months living a carbon-lean life in a specially built house in Stockholm, the Lindell family has returned home to reflect on the lessons learned...
more »