Yushchenko: Ukraine will not become territory for foreign military bases

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“Throughout Europe, including Ukraine, there is a correct model: to aspire for the concept of collective security in it various formats,” Ukraine’s President Viktor Yushchenko announced yesterday commenting on Ukraine’s relations with NATO, a REGNUM correspondent informs.

“I am sure that only national security policy integrated into the continental policy with our neighbors in general can give prospects and future for Ukraine,” the Ukrainian president stressed. He also said that Ukraine will not become a territory for foreign military bases. “Our territory without military bases is the best response to Ukraine’s interests,” he said. Viktor Yushchenko reminded that the Ukrainian constitution bans deployment of foreign military bases in the country’s territory. According to the president, Ukraine should give a clear response that its territory will not be ever used for deploying nuclear arsenals and strategic weapons.

Earlier, it became known that the USA started an information campaign in Ukraine on air defense issues. In particular, as US Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor said on February 15, “taking into account the strategic nature of the relations between Ukraine and the United States, in the near future a technical group of specialists in air defense will arrive in Ukraine and will have a series of meetings with Ukrainian experts and public and give a more detailed information on the issue.”