Emphasizing that Russia does not have a veto right in this matter, American president George W. Bush formally announced in a press conference in Kiev, that the United States support the accession of Georgia and Ukraine to NATO.

The American leader claimed that his position was very clear in this question: the two former Soviet republic must be supported, so they may become part of NATO: "Ukraine and Georgia must be given MAPs for NATO. I underlined this in the phone conversation I had with president Vladimir Putin", said George W. Bush, referring to the membership action plans.

Russia expressed its opposition towards the plan, claiming that the accession of the two countries to NATO would represent a relic of the Cold War.

Russia deputy Interior Minister Grigori Karasin said that Ukraine's accession would cause a deep crisis in the Russia - NATO relations, which would have a negative impact on the European security. In case Ukraine is accepted, Russia says it would require a new security strategy.

The White House expressed its hope in obtaining an agreement from Moscow for the anti-missile shield it intends to build in Europe. Emphasizing that Russia does not have a veto right in this matter, American president George W. Bush formally announced in a press conference in Kiev, that the United States support the accession of Georgia and Ukraine to NATO.

The American leader claimed that his position was very clear in this question: the two former Soviet republic must be supported, so they may become part of NATO: "Ukraine and Georgia must be given MAPs for NATO. I underlined this in the phone conversation I had with president Vladimir Putin", said George W. Bush, referring to the membership action plans.

Russia expressed its opposition towards the plan, claiming that the accession of the