NATO: Germany not convinced on Ukraine and Georgia

Major domestic problems in Georgia and Ukraine, are causing the German government to remain doubtful about both countries bid to join NATO.

addressing the media in Berlin, deputy government spokesman Thomas Steg stressed Germany's "very reserved stance" on the membership bids.

He said that an indispensable requirement for NATO membership is a stable situation in the candidate states.
Countries facing domestic political conflicts or crisis in the region cannot become members in NATO, he added.

Ukrainians are deeply split on membership and European Union observers are still based in Georgia monitoring a fragile peace.