Ukraine's Foreign Minister Says NATO Still Priority

Arseniy Yatsenyuk (file photo) (NATO) WASHINGTON, April 30, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk has said that NATO membership remains a top priority for his country, despite a split in the Ukrainian leadership, RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service reported.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko supports NATO entry, while his rival, Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych, opposes it.

Yatsenyuk, who arrived today in Washington for a two-day visit, made the remarks during a forum at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

During his visit, Yatsenyuk is scheduled to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Senator Richard Lugar (Republican-Indiana), and members of the Ukrainian diaspora.

(with material from AP)

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