By Jaime Ortega.
The heads of state and government of the European Union (EU ) signed today with the Prime Minister of Ukraine , Arseniy Yatseniuk , the next political chapters of the partnership agreement that the previous government was given in Kiev and whose rejection triggered protests in November
“The signing of the political part of the EU-Ukraine agreement symbolizes the importance we place on relationships to move forward,” said President of the European Council , Herman Van Rompuy.
This political support to Ukraine gives the nation 1,000 million on financial aid from the European Commission ( EC) proposed Wednesday that consist of medium-term loans intended to help Ukraine out of the deep economic and financial crisis it suffers.
European leaders seek and send a signal to Moscow that announced this week that it formalized the incorporation Crimean port of Sevastopol to the Russian Federation .
The EU initially offered the partnership agreement to the Government of Viktor Yanukovich , who preferred to reject it and strengthen its relationship with Russia.
This move sparked protests from the pro-European opposition forces that eventually led to the fall of Yanukovych the President of Ukraine.
‘ To promote the gradual approximation ‘
The partnership agreement is intended to ” promote a gradual approach ” between the EU and Ukraine on common values and special links to share and to encourage the participation of Ukraine in EU policies and programs and agencies.
It also provides an appropriate framework for political dialogue in all areas of mutual interest and serves to ” promote, preserve and strengthen peace and stability.”
It is also the starting point for establishing enhanced economic and business conditions that lead to the gradual integration of Ukraine into the EU internal market , including the establishment of a free trade area .
It will facilitate cooperation on justice , freedom and security in order to strengthen the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The signing of the pact is not linked to any specific date to complete the process of rapprochement between the EU and Ukraine , but a review is expected of it within five years or sooner if the parties agree.
Chapters signed today simply determine the political foundation of bilateral relations and create a number of agencies that will be responsible for monitoring the process of approximation of Ukraine to the EU.
It also includes a commitment to hold bilateral summits at the highest level at least once a year, as well as other ministerial meetings.
Mechanisms for cases in which the parties do not fulfill their obligations are also foreseen .
Ukraine is not resigned to the loss
Moreover, the interim president of Ukraine, Alexandr Turchinov , said Friday that his country is not resigned to accept the loss of Crimea, after Russian President Vladimir Putin , that today promulgated the incorporation of the peninsula in the Russian Federation .
” Ukraine will never be resigned to accept the occupation of their territory and will do everything possible for itx release ,” said Turchinov at a news conference with Secretary General Ban Ki -moon.
