BRUSSELS
NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said that NATO has agreed on new military maneuvers intended to end the crisis in Ukraine.
"We will have more aircrafts, ships and preparations on the ground as well," Rasmussen said.
The Danish NATO head stated that upon request from NATO's Foreign Ministers, the package will increase NATO's military presence in the region, aims to enhance mutual defense and show the solidarity of the allied Western nations. "The planes carrying out aerial observation over Baltic States will increase, and allied ships will be shifted to Baltic Sea, east of Mediterranean Sea and the places considered necessary."
He added that military preparations of the army will increase; troops will be shifted from training and practice. Defense plans will be reinforced and maneuvers that have been agreed upon will be implemented immediately. He said that the military postures taken aim at averting conflict and defusing tensions, completely conforming to NATO's international commitments.
Rasmussen says NATO has sufficient capacity to implement the maneuvers suggested by the troops, adding, "NATO will protect its allies and defend them against any threats against our basic security." He added that many NATO member countries have offered concrete contributions and that others will follow them as well.
The Danish NATO chief stated that the only way to overcome the political crisis in Ukraine is to find a political solution, within the scope of a four-party meeting scheduled for April 17 in Geneva between U.S., Russian, European Union and Ukrainian officials. He says the international community supports all efforts aimed at meeting the demands of the Ukrainian people, which respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Having said that the precautions are necessary from the point of efficient mutual defense and averting conflict, expressed that hopes that the Geneva talks give way to a political resolution in Ukraine, carried out in a peaceful manner.
Rasmussen concluded by inviting Russia to be a part of the resolution, stop destabilizing Ukraine and withdraw their units from the border. He added that he opposes the violent actions of the separatist pro-Russia militias.
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