Poland suggests Ukraine may have to wait for NATO

By Sabina Zawadzki

KIEV (Reuters) - Poland offered fresh support for Ukraine's bid for NATO membership on Friday, but signaled that the former Soviet republic may not immediately receive an invitation to start the long process of accession.

Ukraine will hear from the alliance next week whether it will be accepted into NATO's Membership Action Plan (MAP), a major step on the road. Diplomats say several European countries, including France and Germany, are opposed, as is Ukraine's powerful neighbor Russia.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Ukraine had "serious supporters" for its NATO aspirations, including the United States. President George W. Bush is to visit Kiev next week ahead of the NATO summit, being held in neighboring Romania.

But Tusk's comments, after talks with Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, suggested Kiev would have to wait a while longer.

"We don't know if this (support) is enough for (a positive decision) today, but your actions and our support should all bring results," he told a news conference, standing alongside Tymoshenko.

"If not today, then tomorrow. If not tomorrow, then the day after. The issue is not easy, we know that. But if it comes to Poland, we are determined to support your aspirations."

Poland has traditionally been Ukraine's most loyal supporter in international affairs, particularly since pro-Western politicians took office after the 2004 "Orange revolution".

Any indication from Poland that Ukraine had only limited chances of securing fast-track NATO membership would be seen as an acknowledgement that it was unlikely to occur at the Bucharest summit.