Ukraine amends constitution to cement EU, NATO course
(VOVWORLD) - The Ukrainian parliament has approved in its final reading a constitutional amendment that reflects the country's strategic goal of becoming a member of NATO and the European Union.
 Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko delivers a speech during a session of parliament in Kyiv, Feb. 7, 2019. (Photo: Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Reuters) |
A total of 334 lawmakers approved the amendments to the country's basic law on Thursday, with 35 voting against. President Petro Poroshenko said it was a historic day for Ukraine and called the measure "another important step" toward eventual membership in the Euro-Atlantic structures. Speaker Andriy Parubiy praised the move, affirming that Ukraine will join the EU and NATO. The amendments cement Kiev's goal of obtaining full membership in the EU and NATO.