By Xinhua,
Ottawa : Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko reaffirmed Monday his government’s determination to join NATO, stressing that gaining membership in the alliance is an important step in strengthening Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Yushchenko started a three-day visit to Canada Monday, during which he addressed the Canadian Parliament and held talks with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
“The only … solution to make Ukraine eternal is Ukraine’s ascension to the system of collective security … When we’re speaking about Ukraine’s NATO membership, we’re speaking about genuine Ukraine sovereignty. This is the reason why such a strong and insistent policy is being carried out by the Ukrainian government,” he told Canada’s House of Commons.
He also thanked Canada’s support for Ukraine joining NATO during a joint press conference with Harper.
Canada and the United States have said they support Ukraine’s bid to join the cross-Atlantic alliance. However, other NATO members, such as France and Germany, have been more cautious about this.
In his address to the parliament, Harper expressed support for a private member’s bill recognizing the 1932-33 famine in Ukraine as an act of genocide. The bill, waiting for a vote before summer, is set to pass.
The two leaders also discussed enhancing political and commercial bilateral ties as well as co-operation on the mission in Afghanistan.
Yushchenko will also visit the western city of Winnipeg and Canada’s biggest city Toronto during his visit.