Participation of Mr. Georgiou in the II Europe Ukraine Forum

 

Photo: Viktor Yushchenko

The President of the Greek Association for Atlantic and European Cooperation, Mr.Theodossis Georgiou has been invited as a speaker in the II Europe-Ukraine Forum that took place in Kiev, Ukraine on February 27 to 29. This Forum is organized by the Foundation Institute for Easter Studies (Instytut Wschodni) in cooperation with the National Institute for Strategic Studies and under the auspices of the President of Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko. The Easter Institute is a Leading Polish organization in the field of Co-operation among European Countries, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, responsible for the organization of the Economic Forum of Krynica (the Davos Forum of Eastern Europe). G.A.A.E.C. is one of the main partners of the Economic Forum.

The Forum was officially inaugurated by the President of Ukraine, Mr. Viktor Yushchenko, which stressed in his speech the entry on a new stage for Ukraine of the relation with the European Union. The recent accession of Ukraine to the World Trade Organization, the beginnings of the talks on free trade zone and the new agreement with the European Union were significant steps for the Ukraine’s Europe Aspirations. Separately the President dwelled on Ukrainian NATO aspirations which to him were based on reasonability of a collective defense model. The President also expressed assurance that active efforts in informing Ukrainian citizens on NATO and its policy are crucial.

Many other high Government officials like Zbigniew Brzezinski, former National Security Advisor USA, Gediminas Kirkilas, Prime Minister of Lithuania, Arnold Ruutel, former President of Estonia, Elmar Brok, Member of the European Parliament, Germany, Adrian Severin, Chairman of the EU-Ukraine Committee, European Parliament, Romania and Yulia Tymoshenko, Prime Minister of Ukraine, among many others, took part in this Forum.

The acting Vice-President of the Atlantic Council of Ukraine, Mr. Oleg Kokoshinsky was also present in the Forum

Photo: Ambassador William Taylor

G.A.A.E.C.’s President, Theodossis Georgiou has addressed the Forum in a Panel entitled “Ukraine’s Integration into Trans-Atlantic Structures: Challenges and Prospects for Cooperation”, together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Volodymyr Ogryzko, The US Ambassador to Ukraine, William Taylor, and a Member of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom, Nicholas Soames.

Mr. Ogryzko presented different approaches to ensuring Security, concluding that NATO certainly represents the best choice and a priority for the country. He also stressed that the process leading to NATO membership involves all the different categories of the Civil Society and it is not limited to the political elite.

Mr. Soames, emphasized that the choice for NATO should be based on the decision of Ukraine as an independent and sovereign state. He appreciated the common position adopted by all the institutional actors and the increasing involvement of the country in all major international and regional organizations.

Ambassador William Taylor wanted to clarify that the Membership Action Plan (MAP) does not represent yet a request for membership. Nevertheless, he stated that the Ukrainian request has been seriously examined and feelings are positive on its achievement under the support of the President and the Prime Minister and also not to forget about the Ukrainian Population.

Mr. Georgiou emphasized “as one of the most fundamental issues to be the one of Public Support and stressed the importance of this support from the Educated Public as a guarantee of Legitimacy. This Support guarantees the political will of the signature to be a member of the Alliance. He also referred that NATO membership is nothing more than a promise and a commitment by each of its members to be part of a community of values, and to act diplomatically and militarily to protect that community of values.”

Photo: Ambassador Borys Tarasyuk

Ambassador Borys Tarasyuk, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and President of the European Integration Committee to the Ukrainian Parliament, that also took part in the Panel, invited Mr. Georgiou to speak in a special session to the European Integration Committee in early June of the importance of the Public Support and the role of NATO NGO’s to inform and enhance awareness.

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