Voice of Russia
February 27, 2014
NATO expresses deep concern about Crimean situation
NATO Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, said Thursday he was concerned about developments in Ukraine’s Crimea and urged Russia not to do anything that would “escalate tension or create misunderstanding”.
Armed men earlier seized the regional government headquarters and parliament on Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula and raised the Russian flag.
“I’m concerned about developments in Crimea. I urge Russia not to take any action that can escalate tension or create misunderstanding,” Rasmussen said on Twitter.
Voice of Russia, Reuters
===================================================
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
February 27, 2014
NATO-Ukraine Commission stresses continued engagement
A meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission (NUC) on Thursday (27 February 2014) stressed the commitment of its members to the values of democracy and the rule of law. The meeting was a timely opportunity for Allies to discuss the momentous events in Ukraine.
“NATO has a long-standing partnership with Ukraine. Today we made clear that NATO stands ready to support democratic development, defence reforms, military cooperation and democratic control over the security sector,” said NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.
He stressed that “we wish to continue our engagement and confirm our support to Ukraine on the path of democratic and inclusive reforms”. The Secretary General highlighted defence reform and military cooperation as key priorities, offering NATO’s continued support to Ukraine as it strengthens democratic control over the defence sector. The Secretary General expressed concern over recent developments in Ukraine’s Crimea region.
“This morning’s action by an armed group is dangerous and irresponsible. I urge Russia not to take any action that could escalate tension or create misunderstanding…,“ he said.
The Ukrainian delegation to the NUC meeting was led by First Deputy Minister of Defence Oleksandr Oliynyk. The NATO-Ukraine Commission (NUC) was established in 1997 and provides a forum for consultation between the Allies and Ukraine on security issues of common concern.
Source