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NATO Delegation To Discuss Ukraine Membership Bid

17 October 2005 -- A delegation from NATO is in Ukraine to discuss that country's bid to join the military alliance

During their four-day visit, the delegation will meet with top Ukrainian officials including President Viktor Yushchenko, Foreign Minister Borys Tarasyuk, and other top officials.

The delegation is also expected to visit the Ukrainian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol.

NATO has increased cooperation with Ukraine since Yushchenko became president in January. The Ukrainian leader has made joining NATO and the European Union top priorities of his government.

Last week, NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said the alliance strongly supports Ukraine's ambitions, but NATO wants Ukraine to prove its democratic credentials, fight corruption, and modernize its military before any membership talks start.

(AP)

Copyright (c) 2005. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org