41.   Ukrainian leaders fear that Ukraine will become a buffer between the alliance and neighboring Russia.

42.   Ukrainian leaders, meanwhile, reacted by vowing to strengthen ties with NATO.

43.   While Russia is adamantly opposed to such, Ukrainian leaders say any country should be free to join NATO, although the process should not be accelerated.

44.   Yeltsin and Ukrainian leader Leonid Kuchma pledge on Thursday to sign an agreement ending a dispute over the Black Sea Fleet.

45.   Yeltsin meets Ukrainian leader, tries to muster opposition to NATO raids.

46.   During his stay he held talks with Ukrainian leaders including his counterpart Anatoli Zlenko and President Leonid Kravchuk.

47.   The Ukrainian leader was met at Orly airport south of Paris by Urban Development Minister Jean-Claude Gaudin.

48.   The Ukrainian leader was to hold talks separately with US officials responsible for trade and investment.

49.   The Ukrainian leader has already been invited to attend the next informal summit in Slovenia next year.

50.   The Ukrainian leader is currently on a three-day visit to Siberia, Russia.