European Union issues statement supporting Ukraine's independence

ROME - The European Union issued a strong statement of support on May 21 for the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, calling its sovereignty fundamental for Europe's security, reported Reuters.

"The European Union reaffirms the fundamental importance of Ukraine's independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty as key elements of security in Europe," the declaration said.

The political declaration by the 15-nation bloc also expressed backing for Ukraine's economic liberalization drive and welcomed progress on nuclear arms control and a pledge to shut down the Chornobyl nuclear power plant by 2000.

It was issued in Rome after Ukrainian Foreign Minister Hennadiy Udovenko met Italy's Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini and colleagues from Spain and Ireland who comprise the EU's "troika" of current, past and future presidencies.

Mr. Udovenko thanked the EU for its statement of support on sovereignty, telling reporters it was the strongest element of the two-page declaration.

The EU statement said early approval of a new constitution in Ukraine would further legitimize the country's aspirations to play a full part in Europe and said it favored a renewed mandate for an OSCE mission in the country. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe has been mediating between Kyiv and the Crimea since 1994.

Reuters quoted Foreign Minister Udovenko's deputy, Volodymyr Khandogy, as saying that Ukraine would seek an end to the mandate when it comes up for review because "the situation in the Crimea has stabilized."

President Leonid Kuchma has said his strategic aim is for Ukraine to become a full member of the EU and has urged European Union member-countries to ratify their 1994 partnership accord that would move towards creating a free trade area in 1998.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, June 2, 1996, No. 22, Vol. LXIV

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