Foreign Minister says Ukraine doesn’t abandon plans for EU dealNovember 26, 2013 - 11:17 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Ukraine has not abandoned plans to sign a landmark trade deal with the European Union, the country’s top diplomat said, according to RIA Novosti. “Ukraine is not rejecting the agreement on association [with the EU], we are simply talking about suspension of its signing,” Foreign Minister Leonid Kozhara told reporters Monday, Nov 25, in the capital, Kyiv. “Neither Ukraine nor the EU are ready for this deal.” Kozhara’s remarks came after days of protests in Kyiv and number of towns and cities across Ukraine. In a move that stunned Europe, the Ukrainian government last week announced it would seek closer cooperation with Russia and the Moscow-led Customs Union trade bloc, which also comprises Belarus and Kazakhstan. Kozhara said the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has backed the Cabinet’s decision to suspend the planned signing of the association agreement and free trade deals with the EU at the two-day summit in Vilnius starting Nov 28. Ukraine has instead proposed the creation of a trilateral commission between itself, Russia and the European Union to explore ways to deepen mutual ties. Ukraine has come under sustained pressure from the Kremlin in recent months as diplomatic negotiations over its alignment with the EU intensified. As well as the threatening the imposition of a strict new customs regime, Russia also ratcheted up pressure on Kyiv, which depends on Russia for its energy supplies, over payments for gas imports. The Ukrainian government acknowledged last week that the country had already registered significant losses because of shrinking trade volumes with Russia and other members of the Commonwealth of Independent States, an alliance of former Soviet countries. Related links: Eastern Partnership The Eastern Partnership (EaP) is the first comprehensive initiative introduced into the system of the European Union’s external relations, addressed to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. The Eastern Partnership is designed to help the countries of Eastern Europe and South Caucasus with their approximation to and integration with the European Union. The EaP has injected a new quality into relations between the EU and the countries covered by the initiative through their gradual integration with the European Union. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. “By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents. The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. |