Brussels, 10/12/2013 (Agence Europe) - During a debate on 10 December, MEPs gave their support to the pro-European Ukrainian demonstrators. “We must have a response that is up to the expectations of the millions of Ukrainians who want this [association] agreement. We need closer association” with Ukraine, said José Ignacio Salafranca (EPP, Spain). Libor Roucek (S&D, Czech Republic) stated that “we must help the Ukrainian people who very clearly makes it known that it wants to move closer to the EU. We need to reflect on a political concept to help these people in the most constructive way possible.” Rebecca Harms (Greens/EFA, Germany), who was wearing a scarf made of the Ukrainian flag, said that the EU must intervene in order to set up a real round table between the government and the opposition, and for an end to the violence. “We have a responsibility, an obligation - that of allowing Ukrainians to choose their future”, said Werner Schulz (Greens/EFA, Germany).
Graham Watson (ALDE, UK) stated that Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovych must learn that “showing greatness means listening, reflecting before trampling the will of the people”.
Several MEPs criticised the European attitude towards Russia. “European politicians have never treated Ukraine as a strategic partner, as an essential element of this game in relation to Russia” said Ryszard Legutko (ECR, Poland). “We were faced with two negotiators, Ukraine and Russia, and we ignored it (…). In this situation, the dramatic failure of the summit is the result of the EU's non-action. The EU did not think about its policy enough”, said his compatriot Zbigniew Ziobro (EFD, Poland).
“Ukraine can't afford yet more division and tension”, said Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle (our translation throughout). (CG/transl.fl)