Press Release (2006)038 27 March 2006

Statement by NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer following the elections in Ukraine I am pleased that Ukraine's parliamentary election was held yesterday in a manner that was described by the OSCE/ODIHR International Electoral Observation Mission as free and fair, and as contributing to the consolidation of democracy in Ukraine. Ukraine is an important strategic partner for NATO, and we look forward to further deepening our cooperation. As always, NATO stands ready to assist Ukraine to realise its Euro-Atlantic aspirations, and work with Ukraine to promote peace and security in the region.

Tel: Fax: +32 (0)2 707 50 41 +32 (0)2 707 50 57 B-1110 Brussels/Bruxelles http://www.nato.int press@hq.nato.int