Ukraine mulls abandoning non-aligned status

KIEV - Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatsenyuk on Friday said that his government sent a bill to the parliament, urging cancellation of Ukraine's non-aligned status to allow the country to join military alliances.

"In accordance with the decision of the National Security and Defense Council, the government introduced the bill to abolish the non-block status of Ukraine and restore Ukraine's course towards NATO membership," Yatsenyuk told a cabinet meeting.

Yatsenyuk urged the parliament to hold consultations over the bill "without delay" .

In March 2010, the parliament approved the law which bars Ukraine's membership in any military blocs but allows cooperation.

Ukraine and NATO established their partnership in 1991, shortly after Kiev gained its independence from the Soviet Union. Although, Ukraine is not a member of NATO, is closely cooperates with the 28-nation alliance, actively participating in Partnership for Peace initiatives.