He expressed this opinion in the November 28 interview for the 5 Channel television company.

"The NATO Membership Action Plan has been a bit diabolized, though it is a kind of a test. I think that the main issue is to make the state satisfy the requirements of the European Union for instance, and the requirements set by the NATO member states," the Minister said.

Yekhanurov also expressed the opinion that it is vital for Ukraine's accession to NATO to make sure that its army occupies its niche in this structure.

"It is essential that we become an important part, an integral part there, and occupy our own niche in the organization to perform our tasks," he said.

Yekhanurov noted that it is important to bring Ukraine in compliance with the NATO standards both in political ad economic dimensions.

He also emphasized that approval of the population is a factor of vast importance for Ukraine's accession to NATO as well.

As Ukrainian News earlier reported, United States Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor is recommending that Ukraine abandon joining the NATO Membership Action Plan and seek other ways of getting closer to the Alliance.

The participants in the NATO summit that took place in Bucharest on April 3 decided to postpone consideration of the issue of inviting Ukraine to join the NATO Membership Action Plan until December.