NATO Official Says Europe Should Stick By Ukraine
March 27, 2006 -- The president of NATO's Parliamentary Assembly, Pierre Lellouche, says Europe must continue to strengthen its ties with Ukraine and not allow the country to slip back under Moscow's influence.
Speaking in Kyiv, Lellouche said Ukraine "deserves better than being abandoned on Russia's doorstep."
His comments came as the pro-Russia Party of Regions appears set to emerge as the victor from the March 26 parliamentary elections.
The party will not have a majority, though, so it remains unclear what type of coalition will be formed to govern Ukraine.
(AFP)
Yushchenko (center) with Russian Ambassador to Ukraine Viktor Chernomyrdin (left), Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (rear), and Russian President Vladimir Putin (AFP file photo)
IN WHOSE ORBIT? Just over a year ago, tens of thousands of Ukrainians led an extended public uprising that toppled the country's entrenched, pro-Russia regime. But the country remains deeply divided between the east, where ethnic Russians look toward Moscow, and the west, which yearns for deeper integration with Europe. Can Ukraine elect a legislature that represents this torn country? (more)
See also:
Moscow Silent In The Run-Up To Ukraine's Elections
Is Kyiv On Stable Path Toward Integration With World Economy?
Western Neighbors Keen To Help Transition To Democracy
Click on the image for background and archived articles about Ukraine's March 26 elections.
Click on the image to see RFE/RL's coverage of the Ukrainian elections in Ukrainian.