VILNIUS, Lithuania, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The presidents of two of the European Union's newest members, Slovakia and Lithuania, pledged Monday to push Brussels to be more welcoming to Ukraine.
President Valdas Adamkus of Lithuania and his Slovak counterpart, Ivan Gasparovic, spoke in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius. They were reported by Slovakia's Sita news agency as saying the European Union must clearly state the conditions Ukraine must meet to be invited for membership talks.
Presidential Elections in Ukraine in December brought reformist Viktor Yushchenko to power on a wave of popular support. He has pledged to seek closer integration with the West and is trying to distance his country from Moscow.
However, many in Ukraine have been disappointed the European Union has not yet given a clear signal the country could be admitted to the 25-nation club if the entry requirements are met.
The new European Union members from formerly communist central and eastern Europe, especially Poland, have become strong allies of Ukraine in that country's bid for European Union membership.
