Ambassador John Herbst
Ukraine’s Aspiration to Join NATO

Kyiv, Ukraine
November 7, 2003

This gathering of representatives of NATO countries, Ukraine, and non-governmental organizations is an appropriate framework for reviewing Ukraine’s aspirations to join the Alliance. NATO represents a community of shared values. The countries around the table yesterday at the joint meeting of the Political Committee and Political Military Steering Committee have subscribed to the North Atlantic Treaty, thereby declaring, as the treaty provides, that “they are determined to safeguard the freedom, common heritage, and civilization of their peoples.” NATO is not just about defending countries; it is about defending the values that unite those countries. These shared values are why NATO was formed, why it has expanded, and why the door remains open for new members. It is a solemn and serious undertaking for a country to pledge, as the treaty provides, that “an armed attack against one or more of the [member countries] . . . shall be considered an attack against them all.”

Countries, not armies join NATO. When the members of NATO pledge the lives of their sons and daughters to defend one another, they are saying we will fight not only for our sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also for the underlying democratic freedoms our countries share: for the right to continue to elect our leaders in a transparent process, the right to have our civil and human rights respected, the right to be safe in our property and our persons from outside threats. It is because these values are at the heart of NATO that applicants to join the alliance must demonstrate not only military preparedness, but also a commitment to democracy, free elections, human rights, freedom of the press, and market economics.

The NATO-Ukraine Action Plan sets forth these principles, and the Annual Target Plan, while not comprehensive, describes some useful steps that can be taken to implement the principles and demonstrate Ukraine’s readiness to join NATO. The United States supports Ukraine’s aspiration to join NATO, and appreciates that the kind of comprehensive scrutiny required can be difficult – but it is necessary.

I will not here attempt to specify all the actions Ukraine needs to accomplish in order to fulfill its aspiration to join NATO. The Action Plan is a useful guide, and during the conference that took place yesterday, many practical suggestions were made regarding implementation of the Annual Target Plan. It is essential that Ukrainian authorities demonstrate a sustained political will. This includes dedicating adequate resources to see the goals are met. The next Annual Target Plan should be more precise, and the system of management controls to ensure accountability should be laid out clearly.

I would like to focus on just a couple of points. The upcoming presidential elections are critical. It is important that the presidential campaign and the election itself be free and fair. The events in Donetsk October 31 were not a good signal. The international community, including NATO countries, will be watching this very closely. In regards to NATO, our concern will be not to intrude into matters internal to Ukraine, but to observe, in the first nation-wide election since Ukraine declared its desire to join NATO, the democratic standards of this aspirant. If, as the election approaches, Ukraine has demonstrated that it shares and defends at home the democratic values I mentioned earlier, the prospects improve for positive developments in its relationship with NATO.

Secondly, Ukraine’s contributions to several peacekeeping and stability operations are a good demonstration of how Ukraine is developing capacity for inter-operability with NATO units. These peacekeeping activities also demonstrate a willingness to share risks and contribute to common goals. My country appreciates the significant contribution Ukraine is making to stability and a better future in Iraq.

Finally, my government has, since Ukraine became independent, supported Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We want to see Ukraine free, democratic, and prosperous. This is good for the citizens of Ukraine, good for all of Ukraine’s neighbors, and good for the United States. I believe Ukraine can attain its goals, and that matching deeds with the words of the NATO-Ukraine Action Plan is the best course to meet that goal.