MUNICH (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (click here) on Saturday decried what he calls a “disturbing trend” of governments in central and eastern Europe — including in Ukraine — trampling the ambitions of ordinary people.
“The aspirations of citizens are once again being trampled beneath corrupt, oligarchic interests — interests that use money to stifle political opposition and dissent, to buy politicians and media outlets, and to weaken judicial independence and the rights of non-governmental organizations,” he said.
Speaking at an international security conference at which the crisis in Ukraine was a prominent topic, Kerry said, “We see a disturbing trend in too many parts of Central and Eastern Europe, and the Balkans.”
Kerry said the crisis in Ukraine is about ordinary people fighting for the right to associate with the European Union. And he said Ukrainians have decided their futures don’t have to lie with one country — an allusion to Russia.
“Nowhere is the fight for a democratic, European future more important today than in Ukraine. While there are unsavory elements in any chaotic situation, the vast majority of Ukrainians want to live freely in a safe, prosperous country,” Kerry said.
Addressing the conference before Kerry took the stage, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov slammed Western support of Ukraine’s opposition, suggesting it was leading to the escalation of violence....
There is a much bigger picture neither the US or Russia want to address. The Ukraine is being overrun by larger nations with well established economies. The Ukraine wants to develop it's domestic economy so there is stability to the nation and the people. The Ukraine will be a far better trading partner if its domestic economy is vibrant. There is no sense for imports to dominate the country, the people won't have employment to purchase them anyway.
WTO: 2013 NEWS ITEMS
11 July 2013
COUNCIL FOR TRADE IN GOODSAt the Council for Trade in Goods (click here) meeting on 11 July 2013, concerns were raised over certain trade measures by Ukraine, Russia, Brazil, Japan, Indonesia and Nigeria. The Council noted the recent notification of some 11 regional trade agreements....
...Ukraine said that it imposed the safeguard duty after domestic auto production decreased by 78% and employment in the sector declined by 50%. It said it had fulfilled all the requirements of the Safeguards Agreement, adding that the measure is temporary and aimed at helping domestic producers adjust to global competition. It expressed disappointment that some members have taken counter measures instead of pursuing consultations.
On another matter, the EU and the United States expressed concern about Ukraine’s import quota on coking coal, noting a recent domestic court ruling against the measure. Australia and the Russian Federation also expressed concerns. Ukraine said that the import licensing measure would end in December, and that in the meantime, it had increased the quota to traditional levels....
