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
The meeting will be followed by a joint press conference of the Baltic leaders.
more »
During his visit to Brussels, Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
more »
Upon the completion of the second working session of the European Council, Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius welcomed its results and the agreements it had reached.
more »
After the first working session of the European Council that ran late into the night, Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius welcomed the agreement on an additional EUR 5 billion investment in European energy and infrastructure projects.
more »
In Brussels, Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius attended the meeting of Nordic and Baltic Prime Ministers – the meeting which is traditionally held to discuss their opinions right before the first working session of the European Council.
more »
Today the Lithuanian Government has approved nomination of Mindaugas Butkus as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Germany and has submitted his candidacy to the President.
more »
President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus met with President Georgi Parvanov of Bulgaria who arrived in Lithuania on a state visit.
more »
President Valdas Adamkus extended congratulations to President Mary McAleese of Ireland on the occasion of national holiday – St. Patrick Day.
more »
Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius sent a telegram with greetings to new Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis.
more »
Next Monday, March 16, the President of the Republic of Bulgaria Mr. Georgi Parvanov and a delegation arrive in Lithuania on a three-day state visit.
more »