Interfax-Ukraine
March 26, 2014
U.S. president, NATO secretary general talk about additional security measures for allies in view of situation with Ukraine
U.S. President Barack Obama has discussed with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen additional security measures for alliance members in the light of the developments in Ukraine.
Obama said their meeting in Brussels on Wednesday focused on the situation in Ukraine.
“We share the view that Russia’s illegal incursion into Ukraine and the violation of its territorial integrity and sovereignty have to be condemned, but it also reminds us that the NATO commitments that we made under Article 5 are not just items on a piece of paper, but are critically important to all NATO members. And we have to use the resources and preparations to make sure that every member of NATO feel confident,” he said.
The NATO secretary general welcomed the steps that the United States took “in response to Russia’s reckless and illegal military actions in Ukraine.”
“Clearly collective defense of our Allies is a core task for NATO and I join you in your call for additional measures to enhance our collective defense including updated and further developed defense plans, enhanced exercises, and appropriate deployments,” Rasmussen said.
He said NATO was firm in its support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Alliance intended to intensify its military cooperation with Ukraine including helping the Ukrainians to modernize their armed forces.
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