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Referendum on Ukraine's NATO membership: Deputy Prime Minister explains why it is needed

09/03/2021 04:18:27 pm
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The referendum on Ukraine's NATO membership will be a counterargument for Western partners that neither society nor politicians are divided on this goal. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna in an interview with Slovoidilo.

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky promised to hold such a referendum in his election program.

"If we talk specifically about an assessment of expression of the will of the people, this is very important, because one of the counterarguments to prevent Ukraine from receiving the MAP in 2008 was that the country was divided: there is no unity in support of Ukraine's membership in NATO. Therefore, we are talking not only about democracy: the results of the referendum will serve as a counterargument for Western partners that neither society nor politicians are divided on this goal", - Stefanishyna said.

Also, according to her, Ukraine is ready to receive a Member Action Plan, since many of its elements are being implemented in the country.

"We have annual national programs that correspond in form and content to the Member Action Plan. We have NATO enhanced capabilities partner status. Ukraine already takes part in all types of international military and non-military exercises within NATO, we ourselves organize such exercises together with NATO. On September 17, Odessa will host joint exercises between Ukraine and NATO, initiated by the Ukrainian party, to protect critical infrastructure. There is no limit to the process of improving this readiness", - Stefanishyna noted.