NATO Official Says Europe Should Stick By Ukraine

(RFE/RL)
March 27, 2006 -- The president of NATO's Parliamentary Assembly, Pierre Lellouche, says Europe must continue to strengthen its ties with Ukraine and not allow the country to slip back under Moscow's influence.

Speaking in Kyiv, Lellouche said Ukraine "deserves better than being abandoned on Russia's doorstep."

His comments came as the pro-Russia Party of Regions appears set to emerge as the victor from the March 26 parliamentary elections.

The party will not have a majority, though, so it remains unclear what type of coalition will be formed to govern Ukraine.

(AFP)