Polish Leader Regrets Ukraine's NATO Decision

Jaroslaw Kaczynski (left) with his brother Lech (file photo) (epa) September 15, 2006 -- Polish Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski has expressed regret over neighboring Ukraine's decision not to pursue NATO membership at this time.

Kaczynski, speaking during a visit to Washington, said Poland would prefer for Ukraine to join NATO as soon as possible.

On a visit to Brussels on September 14, new Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych said Ukraine would not be seeking NATO membership now, because of public opposition to such a step and a desire not to complicate relations with Russia.

(AP, Reuters)