British foreign secretary says he is inspired by Kiev demonstrators standing up for closer ties to European Union
The UK foreign secretary, William Hague, has sent a message of support to demonstrators who occupied a central square in Ukraine's capital, Kiev, telling them he shares their vision of closer ties with the European Union.
Thousands of people have taken part in a series of protests over the past few weeks against President Viktor Yanukovych's decision not to sign an association agreement with the EU, apparently under strong pressure from Russia.
Months of negotiations appeared to have ended in frustrationand the EU has put talks on hold until there is a clear commitment to sign.
Yanukovych is to meet the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, in Moscow on Tuesday, and protesters fear he will sign up to a customs union that would firmly align Ukraine with its giant eastern neighbour instead of with Europe.
Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Hague said: "It is inspiring to see these people standing up for their vision of the future of Ukraine: a free, sovereign, democratic country with much closer ties to the European Union and a positive relationship of mutual respect with Russia. This is a vision I share."
Hague said he was frustrated at Yanukovych's decision not to sign the agreement at a summit last month in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius.
"Ukraine is an important European country, and with potential to play an influential, positive role both in the region and globally. A stable, prosperous and independent Ukraine is in everyone's interests."
Hague acknowleged Russia's "strong and legitimate interests in stable relationships with its neighbours". But he added: "Russia cannot dictate terms to them. Russia will also benefit from their economic growth and modernisation and a closer relationship with the EU. This is not a zero-sum game: the choice is not either Russia or the EU. It's about Ukraine finding its true, stable place in the politics of Europe."
He called on the Ukrainian government to launch "rigorous and fair" investigations into allegations of violence committed against protesters and urged the Kiev authorities to engage in "constructive and inclusive discussions to find a peaceful way forward".
"Ukrainians of all political views should work together," he wrote. "Now is the time for leadership, to tackle corruption, and get serious about the rule of law, transparency and accountability. Now is the time to build the real democracy that the people of Ukraine are calling for."
However, Ukraine's ambassador to Nato, Ihor Dolhov, insisted his government had not turned its back on an agreement with the EU.
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "This is an attempt by people in Ukraine, particularly younger people, who want to be closer to the EU. This is the main foreign policy priority of President Yanukovych and the Ukrainian government." Reported by guardian.co.uk 7 hours ago.
The UK foreign secretary, William Hague, has sent a message of support to demonstrators who occupied a central square in Ukraine's capital, Kiev, telling them he shares their vision of closer ties with the European Union.
Thousands of people have taken part in a series of protests over the past few weeks against President Viktor Yanukovych's decision not to sign an association agreement with the EU, apparently under strong pressure from Russia.
Months of negotiations appeared to have ended in frustrationand the EU has put talks on hold until there is a clear commitment to sign.
Yanukovych is to meet the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, in Moscow on Tuesday, and protesters fear he will sign up to a customs union that would firmly align Ukraine with its giant eastern neighbour instead of with Europe.
Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Hague said: "It is inspiring to see these people standing up for their vision of the future of Ukraine: a free, sovereign, democratic country with much closer ties to the European Union and a positive relationship of mutual respect with Russia. This is a vision I share."
Hague said he was frustrated at Yanukovych's decision not to sign the agreement at a summit last month in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius.
"Ukraine is an important European country, and with potential to play an influential, positive role both in the region and globally. A stable, prosperous and independent Ukraine is in everyone's interests."
Hague acknowleged Russia's "strong and legitimate interests in stable relationships with its neighbours". But he added: "Russia cannot dictate terms to them. Russia will also benefit from their economic growth and modernisation and a closer relationship with the EU. This is not a zero-sum game: the choice is not either Russia or the EU. It's about Ukraine finding its true, stable place in the politics of Europe."
He called on the Ukrainian government to launch "rigorous and fair" investigations into allegations of violence committed against protesters and urged the Kiev authorities to engage in "constructive and inclusive discussions to find a peaceful way forward".
"Ukrainians of all political views should work together," he wrote. "Now is the time for leadership, to tackle corruption, and get serious about the rule of law, transparency and accountability. Now is the time to build the real democracy that the people of Ukraine are calling for."
However, Ukraine's ambassador to Nato, Ihor Dolhov, insisted his government had not turned its back on an agreement with the EU.
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "This is an attempt by people in Ukraine, particularly younger people, who want to be closer to the EU. This is the main foreign policy priority of President Yanukovych and the Ukrainian government." Reported by guardian.co.uk 7 hours ago.