Dutch TV ad about Ukraine's promiscuous women sparks diplomatic row

London, Apr 26 (ANI): A Dutch TV advertisement that warns women not to let their men travel to Ukraine for Euro 2012 because of the "promiscuous women" has triggered a diplomatic spat between the two countries.

The commercial for electricity giant NLEnergie urges wives and girlfriends to "keep your men at home" during this summer's football tournament.

It shows how typing only the letters "ukr.." into internet search engine immediately brings up the result "Ukrainian women".

The web page is then filled with scores of images of scantily clad models and prostitutes from the eastern European state.

The advert is trying to sell a draught beer dispenser made by NLEnergie, which it boasts should convince men to watch the matches from home in the Netherlands instead.

However, Ukraine's ambassador to Amsterdam Olexander Horin said he was "shocked" at the image the advert gave of his country.

"I am asking the company to withdraw this advert immediately," the Daily Mail quoted him as saying.

"It is offensive to both the Ukrainians and the Dutch, and sends oput the wrong message to people in both in both countries," he said,

NLEnergie boss Harald Swinkels also commented on the issue.

"It is just a bit of fun that plays on the cliches and Ukraine's reaction is disproportionate.

"I shouldn't for a moment think it will stop any Dutch men from travelling to Ukraine to support their national team, and I will be explaining this to the Ukrainian ambassador when I meet him," Swinkels said.

Ukraine announced last year that it would be cracking down on the thousands of prostitutes hoping to cash in on extra business from male fans during the tournament.

One girl told British newspapers in November that she hoped to triple her income to more than 700 pounds a day from foreign football supporters.

Ukrainian women's rights campaigners have also warned that the tournament risks increasing sex tourism in the country and demanded that UEFA tell football fans that visiting prostitutes during the Euro 2012 tournament was unacceptable. (ANI)

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