Remarks
to the Press
by
the Secretary General of NATO, Lord Robertson,
following the Meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission
Special NATO-Ukraine Commission (NUC) meeting just concluded.
We have had good, frank and substantive talks.
Today is the 5th anniversary of the Carter on Distinctive Partnership
and we took stock of the achievements of the NUC and of the
work ahead.
Full conclusions are in the NUC statement. Would like to highlight:
NATO appreciates Ukraine's strategic orientation and its aspirations
to be part of the Euro-Atlantic mainstream. I want to assure
the Ukrainian public that the Alliance looks favourably towards
those aspirations.
But we need to realise that this is a long-term process. Focus
now on preparing a deepened NATO-Ukraine relationship - in time
for the summit meeting in November in Prague.
It is imperative that Ukraine demonstrates a sustained continuing
commitment to implementation of political, economic and defence
reforms, respect for human rights, the rule of law and full
freedom of press.
Both, Ukraine and NATO have much to offer to each other, for
example Ukrainian assets and capabilities for exercises and
operations, your unique Antonov aircraft or your valuable contribution
to the Alliance's stabilising role in the Balkans.
NATO is assisting in the difficult process of defence reform,
comprising not just the armed forces, but the whole of your
security sector.
We have also been encouraged by solid work in armaments related
issues, civil emergency planning, science or economic-related
activities. For example tomorrow, in Donetsk, I will have an
opportunity to see at first hand a demonstration of mine destruction
- part of the project co-financed by a number of Allies and
managed by one of Alliance's agencies, NAMSA.
NATO Ambassadors and myself want to use our stay in Ukraine
to engage as much as possible with the members of Ukrainian
public, at the 5th anniversary conference today and in other
Ukrainian cities - Kharkiv, Lviv and Donetsk.
NATO-Ukraine relationship has entered a new, even more dynamic
phase.
But the rate of progress will depend primarily on Ukraine.
It will be based on your needs and capabilities, your choice
of priorities and your determination to proceed with necessary
reforms. We are ready to go as far as Ukraine is willing and
able to go. I am confident that it will be a road with a successful
destination.
Thank you for your attention. The floor is yours Minister Zlenko.
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