U.S. AND UKRAINE SHAKE ON IT

The U.S. and Ukraine signed agreements today laying the framework for cooperation between the countries on business and space ventures and for starting the flow of millions of dollars of aid to the former Soviet republic. The agreements followed Ukraine's decision last week to give up its nuclear arsenal and relinquish its position as the world's third-largest nuclear power. Today, President Clinton promised $200 million in new U.S. aid to President Leonid Kuchma over the next two years on top of $700 million already approved by Congress to help dismantle nuclear missiles. He also pledged to support Ukraine's independence -- particularly important for a country existing in uneasy proximity to Russia, which ruled Ukraine for more than 300 years.Post your opinion on theInternationalbulletin board.