Europe and US clash over Ukraine
European Council President Herman Van Rompuy gives a press conference following his meeting with Turkish Prime Minister and EU Commission President on January 21, 2014 at the EU headquarters in Brussels. President Herman Van Rompuy said the “future of Ukraine belongs with the EU”. PHOTO | AFP
What you need to know:
- Ukraine has been in turmoil since November, when it scrapped an EU accord in favour of a Russian bailout
MUNICH
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 those defending violent protests of double standards.
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.
“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 US 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”.
In an apparent swipe at Moscow, he added that “their futures do not have to lie with one country alone, and certainly not coerced”.
Mr Lavrov said that a “choice is being imposed [on Ukraine] and Russia is not going to be engaged in this”.
He asked: “What does incitement of violent street protests have to do with the promotion of democracy? Why do we not hear condemnation of those who seize government buildings and attack police and use racist, anti-Semitic and Nazi slogans?”
Mr Kerry was to meet Ukraine opposition leaders on Friday.
