Tusk: 'Ukraine's doors to Europe must remain open'

Ukrainian students protest march in Kiev, Ukraine, 26 November 2013. Photo: EPA/Sergei Dolzhenko

Tusk outlined his stance in Bucharest while speaking with journalists at a summit of Central and Eastern European prime ministers with their Chinese counterpart.

“Ukrainians must be clear that the process was stopped by the Ukrainian government and president, but that Europe is ready and is not stalling the process, because this could be important for the future – perhaps the not so distant future.”

The Polish prime minister said that a “unilateral declaration by Europe” should be made at this week's Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius. EU leaders had hoped that Ukraine would align itself with the Europe at the summit, by pushing on with the association agreement.

“Poland is ready to make such a declaration,” Tusk insisted.

“I and the [Polish] president are talking with out partners, so that we don't give up in this matter.”

“Ukraine's doors to Europe must remain open, regardless of the wavering, or lack of a decision of the government.”

Tusk reflected that “there is no doubt that there was pressure from Russia” on Kiev not to sign the association agreement, as “Ukraine is dependent on gas from Russia, and not Europe.”

Protests continue in Kiev

Meanwhile, protesters continued to demonstrate in Kiev on Tuesday.

Thousands of students from various academic students gathered to voice their dissent regarding last week's decision.

The continued protests follow Sunday's march in support of a Ukrainian association agreement with the EU, in which about 100,000 people participated. (nh)

Source: PAP/IAR