TT: Russia's adamant opposition: Georgia and Ukraine accession to NATO at a LATER date? - je 06.03.2008

Nato foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels to discuss applications by five countries to join the alliance. They include Balkan states Macedonia, Albania and Croatia and ex soviet countries Georgia and Ukraine. The Balkan states enjoy broad support among a majority of alliance members. But reports suggest Georgia and Ukraine can hope ONLY for a commitment to prepare them for accession at a LATER date. One of the reasons is Russia's adamant opposition to their inclusion in the alliance. +++SYN+++