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Dutch Voters Reject EU/Kiev Association Agreement |
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By
Stephen Lendman |
| It’s a signed, not yet in force, agreement between EU states and Ukraine,
pending required ratification by all signatories, not the Netherlands
so far. It commits parties to cooperate politically and economically, notably through so-called free trade, allows visa-free movement and access to the European Investment Bank. It benefits monied interests exclusively at the expense of ordinary Ukrainians. It commits Kiev to bringing its political and economic policies in line with EU standards - along with all parties allying in their collective defense, threatening Russian security. Discussions for closer ties began years earlier. Washington orchestrated Yanukovich’s ouster for rejecting the deal, opting instead for favoring economic and political cooperation with Russia along with EU countries. EU/Ukraine political principles were agreed on weeks after Washington replaced Ukraine’s democratically elected government with Nazi-infested putschists. Implementing the agreement is a first step toward Kiev’s EU membership, unlikely any time soon, given its deplorable governance, illegitimate by any standard, hugely corrupt, despised by its people, at war with Donbass freedom fighters rejecting fascist rule. In a non-binding Wednesday referendum, Dutch voters overwhelmingly rejected the agreement, over 60% against ratifying it. Prime Minister Mark Rutte acknowledged it, saying “(i)t’s clear the ‘No’ have won by an overwhelming margin…” “If the turnout is above 30%, with such a large margin of victory for the ‘No’ camp, then my sense is that ratification can’t simply go ahead.” At the same time, he indicated consideration would be given on how to proceed - whether to comply with public opinion or ignore it, a decision to be announced on April 12. The referendum followed a petition collecting over 450,000 signatures, wanting the issue of agreement with Ukraine put to a popular vote. Ukraine represents the reemergence of fascism in Europe’s heartland for the first time since WW II. It’s an illegitimate, US installed, Nazi-infested police state, ruling by intimidation and brute force, responsible for horrendous human rights abuses against its own people, threatening Russia’s security. The battle for Ukraine’s soul didn’t end with putschists usurping power. Ordinary people have power when they use it. It’s up to them to challenge illegitimate authority and replace it. Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. His new book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III." http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com. Listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network. |
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