Sen. John McCain joins Ukrainian protestors advocating EU membership; EU suspends negotiations

Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Republican Senator John McCain and Democrat Senator Ryan Murphy joined Ukrainian protestors advocating EU membership yesterday in Kiev on the same day that the EU announced negotiations with the Ukrainian government was on hold until it saw "a clear commitment to sign."

McCain tweeted a picture and video of his time with the protestors. In his remarks to the 200,000 demonstrators, McCain said that "The peaceful protests are inspiring the country and inspiring the world. We are here to support your just cause. The sovereign right of Ukraine can determine the right to its own destiny freely, and independently. And the destiny you seek lies in Europe. Ukraine will make Europe better and Europe will make Ukraine better. ...Americans stand with you... this is your moment."

The EU announced on Sunday that it was suspending trade pact negotiations with Ukraine due to the Ukrainian government's lack of demonstrated good will. EU Commission for enlargement Štefan Füle tweeted his announcement that the talks were on hold until it saw "a clear commitment to sign."

The EU's announcement follows last week's meetings between EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton and Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych during which Yanukovych indicated his intention to sign an agreement with the EU that would bring Ukraine into the EU.

Demonstrations in Kiev began after President Yanukovych announced on November 21 that Ukraine would not sign a trade deal with the EU, a move that was seen as bowing to pressure from Russia and thwarting Ukraine's attempts to advance its economy.

[Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty] [The Telegraph] [UPI]