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
President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus participated in the opening session of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly.
more »
President Valdas Adamkus visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to bid farewell to its leadership and diplomatic corps.
more »
June 22, Monday, President Valdas Adamkus is leaving for a working visit to Georgia.
more »
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius and his Baltic counterparts met with President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso.
more »
This Thursday, June 18, President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus goes on a two-day working visit to Brussels, Belgium, to attend the European Council meeting.
more »
Lithuania has successfully tapped international financial markets with a 500-million euro benchmark eurobond transaction due 2014, with an annual coupon of 9.375 percent.
more »
July 6 will see a number of events dedicated to the Millennium of the Name of Lithuania.
more »
President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus attended the Swedish Business Awards 2009 Ceremony.
more »
President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus received Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Franz Josef Jung.
more »
President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus attended a reception as part of the international conference „The World Forum for Direct Investment 2009".
more »