The Alliance sends clear and positive messages concerning Ukraine at the Summit, says Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze in Brussels

This year’s NATO Summit is crucially important for Ukraine because the Alliance has already made clear and positive messages for the country.  Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze emphasized, while commenting on the results of the NATO Summit in Brussels.

The Vice Prime Minister placed a special emphasis on the main results. NATO recognizes Ukraine's long-term goal of joining the Alliance and reaffirms its unwavering policy of supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The member states of the Alliance unanimously condemn the annexation of Crimea and are concerned about the situation in eastern Ukraine. They note the constant daily violations of the ceasefire and human rights and emphasize that the Minsk agreements remain a path for peace. NATO calls on the Russian Federation to accept its responsibility and to fully cooperate with all efforts to establish truth, justice, and accountability concerning the downing of civilian flight MH-17.

Welcoming the significant reform progress already made by Ukraine, the Alliance is keen on supporting reforms by providing advisory and other assistance. "The NATO remains committed to providing continued support to Ukraine’s reform agenda and praises the progress that has already been achieved. The Comprehensive Assistance Package adopted at the last summit, which consists of a series of political and practical measures, is also part of this support. Partners are ready to further increase support for trust funds, in particular in areas such as cyber defense, medical rehabilitation and logistics, to deepen interaction within the framework of the Comprehensive Assistance Package, as well as bilateral cooperation ", Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze underscored.

The Vice Prime Minister stressed that  the Alliance, following the meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of Heads of State and Government with Georgia and Ukraine with the participation of the Ukrainian delegation headed by President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, expressed a staunchest support of Ukraine. NATO is fully aware of Russia's responsibility for occupying the territories of Ukraine and Georgia, as well as has a clear understanding of hybrid threats posed by Russia's actions for the world, and hence the need to strengthen the Alliance's ability to meet these challenges.

"NATO keeps open-door policy for Ukraine and Georgia. The Alliance considers our countries as  key partners. We have a confirmation that Allies are counting on Ukraine being compatible with them in the security and defense sector and other areas, from economics to democratic procedures. And this issues are in focus now", the Vice Prime Minister stressed.

Speaking about the plans of the Ukrainian Government to ensure full compliance with NATO standards and to fully engage with the Alliance by 2020, she noted that the country would make every effort to do so. However, the realization of such a goal depends not only on political will, but also on the resources invested into reforming process and on the political developments.

Moreover, the Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine emphasized the importance of bilateral security cooperation. Ukraine continues to participate in NATO-led operations and missions in Kosovo, Afghanistan, the Mediterranean Sea, and also a member of the NATO Response Force. "Ukraine is not only consumer but also contributor of security", she accentuated.

Background

The Heads of State and Government participating in the Summit, July 12, adopted a joint Declaration, which contains the results of the meeting and is the official position of the North Atlantic Alliance.

Apart from the general goals of the Alliance's activity and development, this year's Declaration contains important points for Ukraine. In particular, NATO condemns Russia's military presence in Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova, military support for militant groups in eastern Ukraine, the annexation of Crimea, discrimination of Ukrainian citizens and activists in Crimea.

Section 66 of the Declaration concerns Ukraine. The Alliance recognizes the progress of reforms in Ukraine and supports our country's aspirations to become a NATO member. "An independent, sovereign and stable Ukraine, firmly committed to democracy and the rule of law is key for Euro-Atlantic security. We stand firm in our support for Ukraine’s right to decide its own future and foreign policy course free from outside interference. In light of Ukraine’s restated aspirations for NATO membership, we stand by our decisions taken at the Bucharest Summit and subsequent Summits."

For full text of the Declaration follow the link: https://bit.ly/2mb5ZUo