Home>News Center>World
         
 

Putin: No objection to Ukraine in EU
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-12-10 23:37

President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Russia has no objection to Ukraine joining the European Union.

"If Ukraine wants to enter the EU and is welcomed there, then we can only be pleased," Putin said, speaking after meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.


"The issues of EU enlargement to include Ukraine does not concern us," he said.


The statement was a marked contrast to several weeks of often harsh rhetoric from Putin, who has been incensed by the West's role in the disputed election in Ukraine.


Russia fears Ukraine could tilt further away from its sphere of influence and more toward the West should opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko be elected president.


"We have a special relationship with Ukraine, economies that are closely interlinked, a very high degree of industrial cooperation," Putin was quoted as saying by Interfax. "So the inclusion of that part of our economy in the European structure would, I hope, have a positive effect on Russia as well."




 
  Today's Top News     Top World News
 

China concerns Japan's overhaul of defense policy

 

   
 

Loosen gov't control of economy

 

   
 

SAFE: Country not reducing US dollar holdings

 

   
 

China fills top sports post for Olympics

 

   
 

Coal mine blast kills 33 in Shanxi

 

   
 

Watchdog: CAO made 'wrong' decisions

 

   
  Court clears Berlusconi of corruption
   
  US soldier found guilty of murdering Iraqi
   
  GI admits to killing hurt Iraqi teenager
   
  Japan defense plan shifts pacifist stance
   
  Bike bomb kills at least 10 in Pakistan
   
  Sharon invites Labor Party into coalition
   
 
  Go to Another Section  
 
 
  Story Tools  
   
  Related Stories  
   
Ukraine military denies downing Russian airliner
   
Ukraine government back to work as crisis eases
   
NATO, Russia deny 'Cold War' rift on Ukraine
   
Ukraine's parliament OKs electoral reforms
   
Ukraine president, assembly deadlocked over poll
   
Ukraine leader agrees on measures for fair vote
   
Ukraine opposition leader opens campaign
  News Talk  
  Are the Republicans exploiting the memory of 9/11?  
Advertisement