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Clinton Tells Ukraine That Door To NATO Remains Open
July 02, 2010
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today said the door to NATO membership remains open for Ukraine and that she backs the ex-Soviet republic's efforts to secure a new deal with the International Monetary Fund.
"Regarding NATO, let me say very clearly: Ukraine is a sovereign and independent country that has the right to choose your own alliances," she told Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kostyantyn Hryshchenko in Kyiv.
"NATO'S door remains open, but it is up to Ukraine to decide whether or not you wish to pursue that or any other course for your own security interests," she added.
The Ukrainian authorities led by President Viktor Yanukovych have abandoned the previous pro-Western administration's aim to join NATO.
On July 1, the Ukrainian parliament passed in the final reading a law formally establishing a nonaligned status for the country.
Clinton also expressed the hope Ukraine would reach a deal to secure a new multibillion-dollar IMF loan and encouraged the country to strengthen its investment climate by economic reforms and protecting intellectual property rights.
"We know that you are undertaking reform plans, which we very much welcome," she said. "We hope that Ukraine will conclude an agreement with the IMF shortly to advance this process."
An IMF mission is in Kyiv for what the government hopes will be conclusive talks on a loan of up to $19 billion to boost Ukraine's economic recovery.
Ukraine is the first stop of Clinton's tour of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus.
Her five-day tour will also take her to Poland, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia.
compiled from agency reports
Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/Clinton_Tells_Ukraine_ That_Door_To_NATO_Remains_Open/2089237.html
Copyright (c) 2010. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
