Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko (R) meets with U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney at the presidential residence in Kiev, capital of Ukraine, Sept. 5, 2008. Cheney met with Yushchenko here Friday on Ukrainian-U.S.relations, cooperation in the energy sector and the situation in Georgia. (Xinhua/Mykola Lazarenko) Photo Gallery>>>

    KIEV, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Visiting U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney Friday voiced support for Ukraine's bid to join NATO, saying no country outside of the military alliance should have a veto.

    "The United States is committed to back Ukraine's NATO membership action plan," Cheney told reporters after talks with Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, adding that his country has a deep and abiding interest in Ukraine's security.

    "Ukrainians have a right to choose whether they wish to join NATO, and NATO has a right to invite Ukraine to join the alliance when we believe they are ready and that the time is right. No outside country gets a veto." Cheney said.

    Cheney pointed out Ukraine should be "united domestically first and foremost and united with other democracies."

    "We have mutual understanding with the U.S. and the European Union on most issues, including Georgia," Yushchenko said, adding that he hopes the situation in Georgia will be settled peacefully.

    Cheney's two-day visit comes amid a political crisis in Ukraine triggered by the departure of pro-presidential "Our Ukraine-People's Self-Defense" party from the governing coalition.

    Ukraine is Cheney's final stop of a three-day tour of the ex-Soviet region aiming to shore up support for U.S. allies following last month's military conflict between Georgia and Russia.