Ukraine should conduct reforms to join NATO - secretary general
Ukraine should complete the reforms in order to apply for NATO membership, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said in an interview with Norwegian television and radio corporation NRK.
He noted that Ukrainians "should carry out major reforms, organize the fight against corruption and create a [capable] state apparatus before applying for membership of NATO."
According to Stoltenberg, the alliance does not intend to "take any initiative" in this issue.
In addition, he said that Ukraine, if it wishes to join NATO, should resolve territorial problems, which is a prerequisite for membership of the alliance. This concerns Crimea and the southeastern regions of the country, he said.
According to Stoltenberg, the preparatory process in Ukraine will take at least six years.
Earlier, the Verkhovna Rada repealed the previously adopted law on Ukraine's non-bloc status, which, according to President Petro Poroshenko, had not guaranteed the security of the state.
The decision on Ukraine's accession to NATO should be taken by the Ukrainian people at a referendum.