[Ohio UZO News] Voinoivich Ukraine NATO Statement.doc

Tue Feb 5 22:22:49 EST 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:              Contacts: Chris Paulitz or Garrette Silverman 
February 5, 2008   								   (202) 224-7784	

SEN. VOINOVICH STATEMENT ON NATO MEMBERSHIP ACTION PLAN ENDORSEMENT 
OF 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH) announced that he is a co-sponsor the NATO Membership Action Plan (MAP) Endorsement Act of 2008 and sent a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, encouraging her to use her influence to convince NATO members to offer MAP status to Ukraine and Georgia.   

        "Since my time as Mayor and throughout my career in the Senate, I have fought for NATO enlargement as a way to advance our own national security, and the security and stability of the world," Sen. Voinovich said. "If Ukraine and Georgia are ready to work toward membership, then I believe NATO should act now to put them on the track for membership.  These countries know the meaning of oppression and the importance of democracy, and I believe they can make an important contribution to our Alliance."

	Voinovich has worked diligently to support NATO enlargement throughout his career.  One of his proudest moments was at the induction ceremonies for the seven new members - Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia - who are now some of our strongest allies in the War on Terror and in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sen. Voinovich was also a cosponsor of the S. 494, the NATO Freedom Consolidation Act of 2007, which permitted Ukraine and Georgia to receive aid under the NATO Partnership Act of 1994.

	The NATO Membership Action Plan was launched in April 1999 to assist countries in preparations for possible NATO membership by providing advice, assistance and practical support on all aspects of membership requirements. NATO has identified four main categories of cooperation and assistance through MAP:
* NATO assists in the development of a national program that covers political, economic, defense, resource security, and legal requirements for membership;
* NATO experts provide focused and candid feedback and political and technical advice to the governments;
* NATO provides an organizational structure to assist in the coordination of defense and security assistance received from NATO member states and other allies; and
* NATO provides assistance in the construction of an individual approach to defense planning to include force, personnel, and capability reforms.

    	Each participant is free to choose the elements of MAP best suited to their own national priorities and circumstances. MAP participation does not guarantee future membership, but provides a guide for those seeking membership.

	"I am confident that President Yushchenko knows that taking the road toward NATO membership will not be an easy road," Sen. Voinovich said. "He will need the support of his people and the Ukrainian government. Alliance membership requires commitment and sacrifice - but I believe the Ukrainian people know a lot about these traits and they will prove to be successful if given the opportunity in Bucharest. And if they do join NATO some day, it will be a very moving and proud experience for me and everyone who remembers the many years of suffering imposed on the Ukrainian people."

	The NATO Membership Action Plan Endorsement Act of 2008 was introduced by Senator Dick Lugar, the Senior Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), and SFRC Chairman Joe Biden. 

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