Global News Scan

Ukraine unrest: EU and US clash with Russia in Munich

"Share this post on social media, spread the news"

UKRAINE

Ukraine’s future has sparked angry exchanges at a summit in Munich.

European Council President Herman Van Rompuy said the “future of Ukraine belongs with the EU” while US Secretary of State John Kerry said the US backed Ukraine’s “fight for democracy”.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Western countries of double standards over violent protests.

Ukraine has been in turmoil since November, when it scrapped an EU accord in favour of a Russian bailout.

The security conference is an annual event held to discuss military and political affairs.

Mr Van Rompuy’s opening speech referred to the EU’s offer of close association with Ukraine.

Sergei Lavrov: “What does incitement of violent street protests have to do with the promotion of democracy?”
“The offer is still there and we know time is on our side. The future of Ukraine belongs with the European Union,” he said.

Mr Kerry launched a broad attack on “a disturbing trend in too many parts of Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans”.

He said: “The aspirations of citizens are once again being trampled beneath corrupt, oligarchic interests – interests that use money to stifle political opposition and dissent, to buy politicians and media outlets, and to weaken judicial independence.”

Mr Kerry added: “Nowhere is the fight for a democratic, European future more important today than in Ukraine. The United States and EU stand with the people of Ukraine in that fight.”

He said the “vast majority of Ukrainians want to live freely in a safe and prosperous country – they are fighting for the right to associate with partners who will help them realise their aspirations”.

01.02.2014
SOURCE: BBC

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

HEALTH MUSEUM VIDEO PIC 2