NATO Should Welcome Georgia, Ukraine Into MAP - Bush

The U.S. official said NATO welcomes the aspirations of Georgia and Ukraine for membership in NATO and offers them a clear path forward toward that goal.

 

"In Bucharest we must make clear that NATO welcomes the aspirations of Georgia and Ukraine for the membership in NATO and offers them a clear path forward to meet that goal,” Bush said.

 

The White House leader said the two nations inspired the world with their Rose and Orange Revolutions and are now working to consolidate their democratic gains and cement their independence.

 

“Welcoming them into NATO and into the Membership Action Plan would send a signal to their citizens that if they continue on the path of democracy and reform, they will be welcomed into the institutions of Europe. It would send a signal throughout the region that these two nations are and will remain sovereign and independent states,” the U.S. president said.

 

“So my country's position is clear: NATO should welcome Georgia and Ukraine into the Membership Action Plan. And NATO membership must remain open to all of Europe's democracies that seek it, and are ready to share in the responsibilities of NATO membership," Bush added.