The European Union warned Russia on Friday against applying pressure on Ukraine and other countries seeking closer ties with the bloc, as the issue looms large over talks next month between the two sides. Ukraine's decision to suspend a landmark political and free trade agreement with the EU last month has been widely chalked up to Russian pressure. The former Soviet country, which is struggling financially, accepted loans and cheaper gas from Moscow this week. The EU's leaders emphasized "the right of all sovereign states to make their own foreign policy decisions without undue external pressure," in a joint statement issued at talks in Brussels. They also said the EU remained ready to sign the deal with Ukraine, while calling for "restraint, respect for human and fundamental rights and a democratic solution to the political crisis in Ukraine that would meet the aspirations of the Ukrainian people." The decision by Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych to freeze the association deal with Brussels and move closer to Russia has led to huge pro-EU demonstrations and calls for his resignation, dpa reported. -- SPA 19:12 LOCAL TIME 16:12 GMT تغريد
