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 Valdas Adamkus, currently on a working visit to the United Nations, met with President Bamir Topi of Albania to discuss bilateral relations, the problems raised at the high-level debate of the UN General Assembly
more »
Valdas Adamkus met with President Bamir Topi of Albania to discuss bilateral relations, the problems raised at the high-level debate of the UN General Assembly.
more »
Minister of National Defence Juozas Olekas met with Gen. Julio Rodriguez, Chief of Defence Staff of Spain, who came on his first visit to Lithuania on September 24. High officials addressed the points of bilateral cooperation as the countries run provincial reconstruction teams in Ghowr and Badghis - neighbouring provinces of Afghanistan.
more »
Tuesday, September 23, New York – President Valdas Adamkus delivered a speech at the 63rd Session of the United Nations general Assembly.
more »
Monday, September 25, Vilnius – President Valdas Adamkus extended condolences to the leaders of Pakistan and China.
more »
Minister of National Defence Juozas Olekas will meet with the Kosovo Premier Hashim Thaci and the Minister of Security Force Fehmi Mujota in Kosovo, September 21–22.
more »
In commemoration of the Day of Genocide of Lithuanian Jews, President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus awarded Life Saving Cross to 55 persons who were saving Jewish people from Nazi genocide during World War II.
more »
On the last leg of the working visit to Brussels, Prime Minister Gediminas Kirkilas had a meeting with President of the European Parliament Hans-Gert Pöttering.
more »
President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus sent congratulations on behalf of himself and the people of Lithuania to President Michelle Bachelet of Chile and all Chilean people on the Independence Day.
more »
Gediminas Kirkilas said that NATO’s role in the Baltic region should not diminish in future.
more »