16 November 1998

TEXT: NATO STATEMENT -- NATO-UKRAINE COMMISSION, 11 NOV. 1998

(Commission meets at ambassadorial level in Brussels) (430)



Brussels -- The NATO-Ukraine Commission met November 11 at the
Ambassadorial level at NATO Headquarters, noting that "considerable
progress has been made since the previous meetings of the Commission
at Foreign and Defence Ministers' level in May-June 1998."


Among other issues, the ministers discussed prospects for military
cooperation between the Alliance and Ukraine, cooperative activities
to be implemented in 1999, and the role of the NATO-Ukraine
partnership in strengthening regional security. "NATO welcomed the
offer by Ukraine to provide assistance in verification missions in
Kosovo," according to a press statement issued by NATO following the
meeting.
Following is the text of the press statement:



(Begin text)



Press Statement
11 Nov. 1998


STATEMENT OF THE NATO-UKRAINE COMMISSION IN AMBASSADORIAL SESSION


The NATO-Ukraine Commission met on 11 November 1998 at the
Ambassadorial level at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.
The Commission discussed the implementation of NATO-Ukraine activities
undertaken on the basis of the Charter signed in Madrid in July 1997.
It noted that considerable progress has been made since the previous
meetings of the Commission at Foreign and Defence Ministers' level in
May-June 1998. In this context, the Commission heard presentations by
the Director of the International Military Staff of NATO and the
Ukrainian Military Representative to NATO on the state and prospects
of military cooperation between the Alliance and Ukraine. The
Commission also discussed priorities for future cooperation, and held
a preliminary exchange of views on activities to be implemented in
1999, including on the development of the NATO-Ukraine distinctive
partnership in the context of the Alliance's 50th anniversary
celebrations.
Members of the Commission welcomed information by the Ukrainian Head
of Mission to NATO about the State Programme of Ukraine on Cooperation
with NATO recently approved by President Kuchma.
Ukraine welcomed the decision taken by NATO to station two liaison
officers in Kyiv, who will facilitate Ukraine's full participation in
the Partnership for Peace programme and, more generally, enhance
cooperation between NATO and Ukrainian authorities. A Memorandum of
Understanding is expected to be signed at the NATO-Ukraine Commission
meeting at Ministerial level in December.
The Commission also had an exchange of views on the role of the
NATO-Ukraine partnership in strengthening regional security. NATO
welcomed the offer by Ukraine to provide assistance in verification
missions in Kosovo.
The next meeting of the Commission will be held in Foreign Ministers
session on 9 December 1998 in Brussels.
(End text)

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