14 Sep 2006

Ukraine Prime Minister visits NATO News 13 Sept 2006 - NATO Visit to NATO by Prime Minister of Ukraine, Mr. Viktor Yanukovych on Thursday 14 September 2006 Background NATO-Ukraine relations Opinion Press point with the NATO Secretary General and the Ukrainian Prime Minister Multimedia High resolution photos Opening remarks in the meeting (wmv/5190KB) Press point (.MP3/7.173kb) Visiting NATO HQ on 14 September, the new Prime Minister of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, said there was “no alternative today for the strategy that Ukraine has chosen in its relations with NATO.” Mr. Yanukovych met with the NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, and the Permanent Representatives of the NATO member countries. Common threats “For Ukraine it is very important to participate in the creation of the new system of European security, and such an opportunity is given to us today with the Intensified Dialogue with NATO and cooperation with NATO,” he told reporters after the meeting. “There is no alternative today for the strategy that Ukraine has chosen in its relations with NATO,” he added, “We understand very well, that existing dangers, such as terrorism needs the effort of all the countries of the world,” he added. Responding to questions about Ukraine asking to join NATO’s Membership Action Plan, the Prime Minister said that because of the political situation in Ukraine, “we will now have to take a pause, but the time will come when the decision will be made.” The NATO Secretary General said “I think the Prime Minister and the NATO Ambassadors very much agreed that the Distintictive Partnership, as we call it, between Ukraine and NATO is to the benefit of Ukraine and to the benefit of NATO.” The Secretary General also praised Ukraine’s contribution to NATO-led operations.