This week NATO marks a triple anniversary: 15 years since Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic joined the Alliance; 10 years since the accession of Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia joined; and five years since Albania and Croatia acceded. This is the time NATO seems to find a reason to justify its existence. That’s where the crisis in Ukraine comes in handy…
Speaking on April 8 in Paris, NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said further intervention by Russia in Ukraine would have "grave consequences" for Moscow's relationship with NATO and "would further isolate Russia internationally”. Rasmussen called on Russia pull back what he described as “tens of thousands” of troops massed near the Ukrainian border. "We have all plans in place to ensure effective defense and protection of our allies," he said. "It is obvious that the evolving security situation in Ukraine and along its borders make it necessary to review our defense plans and look at how we could strengthen our collective defense." He saidNATO was reviewing a 1997 co-operation agreement (Founding Act) with Russia and subsequent Rome declaration of 2002 that prevented NATO setting up bases in eastern and central Europe. The foreign ministers of the alliance would decide on that in June. "Those decisions will be impacted by the situation in Ukraine and Russian behavior," Rasmussen said. (1)
On April 9, US Air Force Gen. Philip Breedlove, Commander, US European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) of NATO Allied Command Operations, told Associated Press, (2) that forthcoming NATO plans envision the mobilizing of American troops. According to the four-star Air Force General, he wouldn't "write off involvement by any nation, to include the United States." "Essentially what we are looking at is a package of land, air and maritime measures that would build assurance for our easternmost allies," Breedlove told the AP. "I'm tasked to deliver this by next week. I fully intend to deliver it early," he noted.
His words were echoed by US top defense chief. Speaking to CNN on April 9, US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said, “We're always vigilant and we’re always looking at the options that we need to take.” (3)
Complete story at - NATO Steps Up Activities to Counter Russia and Justify its Reason D’etre > Strategic-Culture.org - Strategic Culture Foundation
Speaking on April 8 in Paris, NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said further intervention by Russia in Ukraine would have "grave consequences" for Moscow's relationship with NATO and "would further isolate Russia internationally”. Rasmussen called on Russia pull back what he described as “tens of thousands” of troops massed near the Ukrainian border. "We have all plans in place to ensure effective defense and protection of our allies," he said. "It is obvious that the evolving security situation in Ukraine and along its borders make it necessary to review our defense plans and look at how we could strengthen our collective defense." He saidNATO was reviewing a 1997 co-operation agreement (Founding Act) with Russia and subsequent Rome declaration of 2002 that prevented NATO setting up bases in eastern and central Europe. The foreign ministers of the alliance would decide on that in June. "Those decisions will be impacted by the situation in Ukraine and Russian behavior," Rasmussen said. (1)
On April 9, US Air Force Gen. Philip Breedlove, Commander, US European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) of NATO Allied Command Operations, told Associated Press, (2) that forthcoming NATO plans envision the mobilizing of American troops. According to the four-star Air Force General, he wouldn't "write off involvement by any nation, to include the United States." "Essentially what we are looking at is a package of land, air and maritime measures that would build assurance for our easternmost allies," Breedlove told the AP. "I'm tasked to deliver this by next week. I fully intend to deliver it early," he noted.
His words were echoed by US top defense chief. Speaking to CNN on April 9, US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said, “We're always vigilant and we’re always looking at the options that we need to take.” (3)
Complete story at - NATO Steps Up Activities to Counter Russia and Justify its Reason D’etre > Strategic-Culture.org - Strategic Culture Foundation
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