EU approves visa-free travel for Ukrainians
BRUSSELS: The EU on Thursday approved visa-free travel for Ukrainians, fulfilling a key promise to cement ties with Kiev as it remains embroiled in a deadly conflict with Russian-backed rebels.
The EU and Ukraine sealed a so-called Association Agreement after the overthrow of the proMoscow government in 2014, with Brussels aiming to bring the Soviet- era satellite into the European fold.
The agreement included the offer of no more visa requirements, a potent symbol of the bloc’s commitment to Kiev, which has fretted over repeated delays.
A statement by the European Council, which groups the 28 EU member states, said visa liberalization was “an important development which will help strengthen ties between the people of Ukraine and the EU.”
“It follows the completion of the necessary reforms by Ukraine in a number of areas including migration, public order and security, external relations and fundamental rights,” it said.
The statement noted that the decision followed an EU agreement on a suspension mechanism which allows member states to halt the scheme “if there are serious migration or security issues with Ukraine.”
Under the new scheme, Ukrainians with biometric passports can travel in the EU without a visa for 90 days in any 180-day period, for tourism, business or family visits — but not to work.
It does not apply to Ireland or Britain.
Georgia, whose country fought a brief but bitter war with Russia in 2008, won a similar EU visa-free travel scheme this year.
Russia annexed Crimea shortly after the Ukraine’s popular uprising in 2014 and Kiev has been battling pro-Russia rebels in eastern Ukraine ever since.
HAGATNA, Guam: Troops from the US, Japan and two European nations are gathering on remote US islands in the Pacific for drills they say will show support for the free passage of vessels in international waters amid fears China could restrict movement in the South China Sea.
The drills around Guam and Tinian may also send a message to North Korea about the US commitment to the region and the breadth of its allies. Tensions between the US and North Korea spiked last month after Pyongyang launched a ballistic missile and the US sent an aircraft carrier strike group to the region.
The drills, which are led by France and include the UK, will practice amphibious landings, delivering forces by helicopter and urban patrols.
Two ships from France are participating, both of which are in the middle of a four-month deployment to the Indian and Pacific oceans. Joining are UK helicopters and 70 UK troops deployed with the French amphibious assault ship FS Mistral. Parts of the exercise will feature British helicopters taking US Marines ashore from a French ship.
“The message we want to send is that we’re always ready to train and we’re always ready for the next crisis and humanitarian disaster wherever that may be,” said US Marine Corps Lt. Col Kemper Jones, the commander of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment.