French State Secretary for European Affairs, Jean-Pierre Jouyet stated, in an interview for the Ukrainian publication "Hlavred" that a number of European countries, including France, will not comply with Ukraine's request to participate in the NATO Membership Action Plan at the Bucharest Summit. "Like other partners, especially Germany, we consider Ukraine's participation in the Membership Action Plan premature. More time is needed, so that Ukraine fulfills the obligations it pledged to. More haste, less speed" – says Jouyet. "Like many other countries, France was surprised at Ukraine's haste to be included in the Membership Action Plan. Ratifying such a decision only three months before the NATO Summit in Bucharest will give birth to special problems. Moreover, one has to comprehend that Ukraine's inclusion in this process involves its becoming a North Atlantic Alliance military partner; because we mustn't forget NATO is a military block. Ukraine's request to join the Membership Action Plan is premature because of four reasons: 1) In-detail discussions between Ukraine's government and the General Secretariat of the Alliance have to be carried out; 2) The matter has to be discussed and agreed upon by the NATO member-countries; 3) A political consensus within Ukraine has to be attained before presenting the request; 4) Ukraine's NATO adhesion must not be regarded as a means for solving internal problems or problems caused by one of its bigger and more powerful neighbors. Undoubtedly Ukraine is on the right path, it maintained good relations with France, established a partnership with the European Union, joined the World Trade Organization, but, when it comes to NATO, it has to take into consideration those said above" – concluded the French official. (Source: Rador)
