Ukraine Won't Join NATO,
Quits Maneuvers
Polish Press Agency

Translated by Tasha Wheaton

6/18/99

"Union with NATO cannot be the aim of politics in Kiev because the integrity and soverignty colide the joining of Ukraine with NATO", said President Leonid Kuczma, yesterday.

In a meeting with high ranking Ukrainan police officers in Kiev, Kuczma warranted that cooperation with NATO woudn't be directed against anyone. At the same time, he mentioned "Don't kid yourselves, NATO is the biggest and most influencial structure in the world." The President also made a statement that Russia is one of the biggest partners of Ukraine and, in his opinion, the most important thing between Ukraine and Russia is rebuilding the slacking economic cooperation.

The opinions of the locals is that the statement was in attempts to calm down the local Moscow politicians, which are very upset with NATO action in Yugoslavia.

Media mentioned that on Monday, Kiev surprised everyone by resigning from manuevers with NATO on Black Sea and allow Russian air corridor over Ukraine air space.

In these manuevers, President Kuczma, it seems, is trying to gain support from Moscow for the upcoming Presidential elections.

Back to Home Page | Contact Us