Despite U.S. President’s George W. Bush efforts to offer a membership action plan (MAP) for Ukraine and Georgia, NATO leaders failed to reach consensus over the issue. Bush’s position directly contradicted French and German government positions previously stated, which were supported by Italy, Hungary and the Benelux countries, a senior German official said, the New York Times reported.

Allied leaders refused to offer MAP to the two countries, driven by concern in western Europe about antagonizing Russia. As both Ukraine and Georgia were once integral parts of the Soviet Union, Russia ferociously opposed to the eastward expansion of the Alliance. Meanwhile, in a separate setback, Greece blocked the entry for the Republic of Macedonia.

According to a senior American official, no final decisions had been made and the meeting still would be a success if NATO makes clear that the door to membership remains open for Ukraine and Georgia. It appears that Russian President Vladimir Putin warned he would cancel his planned visit to the Alliance meeting on Friday if the two ex-Soviet states join the program for eventual membership.

NATO leaders appeared to make progress on other issues on their political agenda, as they are set on inviting Albania and Croatia to join the alliance. France declared that is would offer a battalion of troops to eastern Afghanistan, permitting the U.S. military forces to move south, an area where the troops are fighting to suppress the Taliban-led rebellion. In order to support France’s decision, Poland and Romania will also send more soldiers and Washington is sending 3,200 more marines.

Another important issue for President Bush is getting NATO support for a limited European missile-defense system in the Czech Republic and Poland. Russia does not welcome the issue, but Bush claimed that he would ensure Putin that the system does not represent a threat to his country.