Kiev: Problems of democratic development and rule-of-law in Ukraine are hindering Kiev`s partnership with NATO, a top official from military grouping said.
Dirk Brengelmann, NATO`s Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, said that the Chicago summit held in May sent a powerful signal to Ukraine about selective application of justice and politically-motivated prosecution of opposition leaders.
A lot would depend on what steps Ukraine was going to make to improve the situation, Brengelmann said in an interview published in Ukraine weekly, `Mirror of the Week`, on Saturday.
The autumn elections would also be a difficult test for the Ukrainian authorities for its ability to pass difficult decisions in the context of economic reforms. Besides, NATO is expecting Ukraine to adopt a number of long-awaited documents on strategic planning to demonstrate the seriousness of intentions of the Ukrainian government in the spheres of defence and security. Brengelmann also stressed that Kiev was NATO`s key partner and that NATO would continue supporting reforms in Ukraine.
PTI