NATO secretary-general arrives in Ukraine

NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson arrived Wednesday night in Ukraine for a two-day official visit to discuss cooperation with country's top officials. The newspaper Den on Wednesday quoted Robertson as saying that NATO-Ukraine relations should be “a factor of stability and security in Europe ... NATO is keen to see Ukraine succeed and has high expectations.” He praised Ukraine's intention to integrate with Europe and stressed the country's importance, saying it was the first former Soviet republic where NATO has opened an office. Robertson is expected to discuss Ukraine's foreign policy, regional cooperation and the situation in Balkan countries, Foreign Minister Anatoly Zlenko said this week.On Thursday, Robertson is scheduled to meet with Zlenko, President Leonid Kuchma, Prime Minister Anatoly Kinakh, Defense Minister Oleksandr Kuzmuk, parliament speaker Ivan Pliushch, and Secretary of the Security and Defense Council Yevhen Marchuk. Ukraine has proclaimed itself neutral and surrendered its Soviet-era nuclear arsenal to Russia, but pledged a special partnership with NATO in 1997, participating in joint military exercises and civil safety programs.