Viktor Yushchenko: «Neutrality can come at a very high price to Ukraine»

« Recent events in Georgia show how fragile peace and stability can be not just in one country but in the whole region», -- Ukrainian president Viktor Yushchenko told in an interview to British newspaper “The Times” .

Q: The Russian intervention in Georgia is making everyone in the region nervous.How are you going to guard Ukraine's independence?

Yushchenko: Recent events in Georgia show how fragile peace and stability can be not just in one country but in the whole region. It is the first time in Europe since the Cold War

that a foreign army has invaded the territory of a sovereign state without any internationally accepted legal basis. If we are ambivalent about this it will give tacit approval to put our country and our citizens under threat. In the first days of the conflict, Ukraine clearly demonstrated her position. The territorial integrity and independence of any country are sacrosanct. We have been and will remain loyal to these principles.

The main lesson from Georgia is that no single model of national security can guarantee the defence of national sovereignty. Only collective security can guarantee peace and stability and restrain aggression. Ukraine has to move towards the NATO alliance. For our country it is the only way to protect our national security and sovereignty. When the borders of NATO expand so too does the region of peace and stability.

The Russia-Georgia conflict will have a serious geopolitical impact not only on the continent of Europe but for the whole world. Today the peace and security of Europe are under threat so a united Europe should give a robust and appropriate response to this challenge.

I believe that NATO member countries will now support the aspirations of Ukraine to receive a Membership Action Plan invitation during the December session of the Alliance's ministers. It is very important both for the alliance and for Ukraine. We share common values and a common responsibility.

Q: Are you going to boost your defence?

Yushchenko: After the recent events it is clear that we need to review our defence priorities. In the August or September sessions of the Ukrainian National Security Council we will review the whole system of how we are financing the armed forces in 2008 and the perspectives for 2009. We need to increase the military budget to ensure that there is no question about what will happen tomorrow. I want to remind all political forces in our country that shout about the possible neutral status of Ukraine, that neutrality can come at a very high price.

Q: Russia claims that you are selling arms to Georgia. Is that true?

Yushchenko: It is very difficult to comment on the unsubstantiated claims of Russian officials particularly as they have supplied no evidence. The partnership between Ukraine and Georgia is based on law and on mutual benefit, as with any two countries. We have an inter-governmental agreement on military cooperation signed in 1995 and 1996. No limits have been set by international organisations on military technical cooperation between Georgia and Ukraine, so any comment on this subject amounts to unhelpful speculation.

Q: Are you going to try to box the Russian fleet into Sevastopol?

Yushchenko: We cannot control a foreign fleet"s operational activities. However we can and must demand that our Russian counterparts strictly abide by Ukrainian legislation regarding the stationing of the Russian navy on our territory. It is set out in international law and there is a modus operandi for situations like this. I have issued two decrees to control the re-location of Russian troops and military equipment outside their bases as well as their crossing of the Ukrainian state border.

This fully complies with the core agreement signed between Ukraine and Russia that regulates the situation as long as the Russian navy is stationed on our territory.

We still face a lot of unresolved issues with respect to the Russian navy"s stationing in the Crimea but I am confident that we will be able to reach a compromise.

Q: So when will you start talks with Russia about removing the fleet when their lease runs out in 2017?

Yushchenko: We have repeatedly urged Russia to consider this issue. However every time we face a lack of understanding and outright reluctance on their part to solve this problem.

The withdrawal of such a complex military contingent cannot be accomplished overnight. It will take much political, economic and logistical preparation. That will include the building and upgrading of military bases in Russia where the fleet will be redeployed. International experience suggests that one needs between seven and nine years. So we cannot help but be worried about Russia when it is unwilling even to commence negotiations.

When the treaty expires the Russian troops and vessels have to be pulled out of Ukraine.

Q: How do you feel about the poisoning attempt that scarred your face? Do you know now who was behind it?

Yushchenko: The issue of my poisoning is my personal tragedy and that of my family and unfortunately it has become an integral part of the political debate in Ukraine. There is a great deal of speculation about this. We will have to wait for the legal procedures to take their course and draw a line under this matter.