"The decision will be made in accordance with NATO's internal mechanism," he said.

The Ukrainian president reiterated his country's wish to join the MAP at the NATO meeting in December.

"We very much hope that a positive decision will be taken this year," he said.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko (R) greets NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer in Kiev, Ukraine, June 16, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) 

Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters staged demonstrations close to the presidential palace in Kiev, where the meeting between de Hoop Scheffer and Yushchenko was underway.

The demonstrators carried placards reading "Ukraine is territory without NATO!" and "No to NATO!". They also shouted "Russians are our Brothers!" while trying to break through police lines.

Meanwhile, a slightly larger pro-NATO demonstration took place at the other end of the palace, with demonstrators waving placards that read "NATO, Yes!"