EU slams Russia over Ukraine deal failureNovember 30, 2013 - 10:35 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Union openly accused Russia of using unacceptable pressure to keep Ukraine from signing a landmark deal on closer association, Belfast Telegraph reported. Even though the EU extended its reach eastward by sealing association agreements with Georgia and Moldova, the belated refusal of Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych to sign up to a similar deal largely spoiled the two-day summit with the EU's eastern partners. And most EU leaders pointed straight at Russia for using threats and bullying to keep Ukraine in step with Moscow. "We may not give in to external pressure, not the least from Russia," said EU President Herman Van Rompuy in unusual blunt terms after the summit in Vilnius, Lithuaniana. EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso added that "the times for limited sovereignty are over in Europe," alleging Russia still tried to consider Ukraine as a subservient neighbour. "There was pressure for sure," French President Francois Hollande said, adding that Ukraine was heavily leaned on, "notably through gas". In a video released by the Lithuanian presidency, Yanukovych told German Chancellor Angela Merkel that "the economic situation in Ukraine is very difficult," before adding some time later that "I have been one-on-one with Russia for three and a half years under very unequal conditions." Merkel praised Georgia and Moldova for withstanding similar pressure and still moving westward. "When you see how, in part, pressure is being exerted on these countries through trade restrictions, then I also simply say that it is a very brave step," Merkel said. Though the negotiations have been painted as a diplomatic battle royal between Brussels and Moscow with a key eastern European nation of 46 million as the ultimate prize, the EU is insisting everyone would gain. Related links: 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 | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |