Ukraine To Deliberate On Entry To NATO For A Year Or Two

KIEV, Ukraine -- Ukraine will probably deliberate on the need to join NATO for a year or two, said U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor.

A rally staged in Kiev to protest against NATO membership. The discussion on the NATO’s membership is at full blast in Ukraine. This idea is strongly advocated by President Viktor Yushchenko, but opposed by over a half of the nation.
It will probably take a year or two to decide on launching the campaign for joining the NATO, which doesn’t guarantee the entry, Mr Taylor made clear Monday, when lecturing students of one of the Kiev universities.

If the authorities in Ukraine, the ambassador went on, will decide on the membership in the alliance, Ukraine will join the Membership Action Plan.

At the same time, no quick entry is guaranteed, as some states jointed the MAP more than seven years ago but aren’t its members yet.

For Ukraine, the door will be open, the ambassador pointed out, specifying, however, that it is for the country’s government and the nation to make this decision.

The discussion on the NATO’s membership is at full blast in Ukraine. This idea is strongly advocated by President Viktor Yushchenko, but opposed by over a half of the nation.

Regions’ Party of Yushchenko’s opponent, Viktor Yanukovich, is calling for a referendum on NATO’s membership.

Source: Kommersant