Russian FM raps EU on Ukraine issue

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov lashed out at European Union leaders Saturday over their statements on Ukraine's civil unrest. Lavrov said a choice was being imposed on Ukraine and Russia was not going to be engaged in that. During a panel discussion here at the 50th Munich Security Conference, European Council President Herman Van Rompuy renewed the offer to Ukraine to join the EU and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen repeatedly said people in Ukraine should be free to make their own choices. Van Rompuy said the future of Ukraine belonged to the EU, citing protestors taking to the streets. Rasmussen, on the other hand, stressed that democratic principles and rule of law must be respected in Ukraine. "What does incitement of violent street protests have to do with the promotion of democracy? Why do we not hear condemnation of those who seize government buildings and attack police and use racist, anti-semitic and Nazi slogans?" Lavrov said. The future of Ukraine is high on the agenda of the Munich Security Conference, where top diplomats and military officers have gathered. The protests in Ukraine were sparked by the government's decision to put on hold an association agreement with the EU last November. Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov resigned on Jan. 28 amid violent protests.