Western-leaning President Viktor Yushchenko has made NATO membership a priority since coming to power in 2004, but has met with strong opposition on the issue from pro-Russian political forces in the country.
The policy regarding NATO membership was fixed in the national unity pact. The document, which Yushchenko proposed for signing by the country's major political forces, was to serve as a guarantee of adherence to his political course before Viktor Yanukovych, the leader of the pro-Russian Party of Regions, was appointed prime minister to end four months of political crisis in the country.
"Our Ukraine views Yanukovych's statement in Brussels that our country is not ready to implement the plan to join NATO as a direct violation of political agreements set out in the national unity pact," the bloc's press service said.
After a session of the Ukraine-NATO commission in Brussels Thursday, Yanukovych proposed that accession to the northern alliance proceed more slowly, saying the majority of Ukrainians oppose the idea.
He said a decision on the issue will be made by a nationwide referendum when the time is right, namely after a number of social and economic reforms are implemented to improve living standards and thereby win the support of the population at large.
Until then, he continued, Ukraine should cooperate with NATO, but not seek membership.
But the spokesperson for Our Ukraine said the national unity pact fixed the country's policy regarding full participation in the common European and regional systems of collective security, while maintaining good relations with Russia.
The press service maintained that under the unity pact, a referendum on NATO membership should be held after all the necessary procedures have been implemented, including participation in the Membership Action Plan to prepare for NATO entry.
Our Ukraine has been engaged in consultations with an anti-crisis coalition, formed in June and comprising the Party of Regions, the Socialists and the Communists, on the possibility of expanding the grand coalition.
Six political forces comprising the bloc are ready to search for a compromise, but they insist on rigorous compliance with the national unity pact. Otherwise, the bloc said, it will go into opposition.
Ukraine's quest for NATO membership has displeased Russia, which is anxious about the approach of NATO bases closer to its borders.
