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| Publication | Financial Times | |
| Title | Yushchenko should not spend time seeking Nato alliance membership | |
| Author | Bohdan Skrobach | |
| Published | December 28, 2004 | |
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Sir, When it is determined that the rerun of the second round of Ukraine's presidential election was free and fair, the west will be anxious to provide support to the new government.
Invariably one of the items that will be promoted is the idea of Ukrainian membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton urged the US to explore immediately the willingness of the new Ukrainian government to join Nato ("America must back Ukraine's struggle for democracy", December 27). It would, however, be best if the US refrained from pursuing publicly this option at this time. Ukraine has just come through a very divisive election. For Viktor Yushchenko to be successful he needs to promote policies that would be supported by all of Ukraine. Nato membership is not one of these. In surveys, public support for membership has never been more than 30 per cent. It would take a great deal of public discussion to change this prevailing viewpoint. In his first term Mr Yushchenko does not have the luxury of spending the time and effort that will be required. The best manner the west can provide significant support is to promote Ukrainian accession to the World Trade Organisation. This is a realistic goal that can be achieved in 2005. Once Ukraine is a member of the WTO, it will open the door to obtaining a free trade agreement with the European Union. Such an agreement would help promote economic development in all of Ukraine. Ultimately, this will determine the success of Mr Yushchenko's presidency. |
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