Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme criticized the position of his country over the Ukraine on the membership action plan (MAP) in NATO and said that soon saw no member of the European Community.
"We were among the 5-6 countries that have been very critical with respect to MAP for Ukraine. Unclear at both levels - politically, as well as minds and hearts of the people, which Ukraine wants itself "- said Minister eve visit to Ukraine in an interview with news agencies in the country. According to Interfax, "Belgian Prime explained that under the political level, it implies not only President Viktor Yushchenko and Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, but also political leaders in a broad sense."
Leterme also noted that since the collapse of the Soviet Union has little time. According to the minister, to introduce real position, needed more time.
Premier also said that by offering Ukraine membership in the EU, we need to be "very cautious" in the context of relations with Russia. "For me absolutely clear that we must be very careful not to isolate Russia. With respect to Ukraine, except for problems with public opinion and political leaders, we also have to be very careful not to provoke Russia", - said the minister.
Belgian Prime also did not rule out that the issue of NATO membership can be used in the upcoming election in Ukraine campaign.
The Minister explained the position of Brussels on possible Ukraine's membership in the EU: "First of all, I want to say that Ukraine -- European country, as part of the European continent. There is no Clearly, this is - a real European country with European culture. And it is - a fact. On the other hand, one can not say that it - a situation which gives the opportunity to become a full member of EU Five or 10 years. "
Leterme added that Ukraine's cooperation with the European Union should be exercised "new steps". Referring to ongoing negotiations on a new agreement on the association of Ukraine-EU Belgian Prime encouraged "to see where this will lead."
"Ukraine - European country whose future - with Europe. This is as membership in NATO. Over time, Ukraine will become a member of the EU, but now We can not say that this will happen in a given period, "-- he added.
Recall, presidential candidate of the U.S. Democratic Party Barack Obama, who is already seen as a possible winner in the election race, for its part, believes that Ukraine is ready to participate in MAP.
This view is not shared by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried. At the October press conference in Geneva, he noted that "of membership in NATO, these countries are separated years." Assistant Condoleezza Rice believes that Ukraine and Georgia is still a lot of work. He also drew attention to the fact that the process of accession to the Alliance is heavily dependent on the aspirations of Kiev and Tbilisi.
Gensek of the Alliance, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer supports this view and believes that invite Ukraine and Georgia into NATO is premature.
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