NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has called on Russia to pull back the tens of thousands of troops it has massed on Ukraine's borders, and warned that further intervention in the country would be a "historic mistake" with grave consequences.
Speaking at the NATO Transformation Seminar in Paris Tuesday, Rasmussen said "Any further move into Eastern Ukraine would represent a serious escalation, rather than the de-escalation that we all seek. We call on Russia to pull back the tens of thousands of troops it has massed on Ukraine's borders, engage in a genuine dialogue with the Ukrainian authorities, and respect its international commitments."
In his address to the Seminar organized by Allied Command Transformation, the Secretary General said that the crisis raises serious questions for Euro-Atlantic security and now is the time for the right answers for key issues for the Wales Summit in September.
"We must prepare a readiness action plan. We must reinvest in our defense. And we must reinforce the transatlantic bond", the Secretary General said.
He highlighted that Allies must stand ready at all times to deal with the unexpected. "Because from Sevastopol to Syria and the Sahel, we are facing a dangerous world. Where threats are complex, unpredictable and interconnected. Newer challenges, such as terrorism, failed states, cyber and missile attacks. And old challenges in new guises, such as attempts to redraw borders by force."
Rasmussen called on the Alliance to develop an action plan to strengthen readiness, which requires the right training, the right posture, and the right capabilities.
He highlighted the NATO Response Force as key element for an action plan.
"We need to procure the high-end capabilities that we currently lack - joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; missile defense; air command and control; and air lift. Much work has already been done to fill these gaps. But we need to advance and expand our programs", the NATO chief noted.
Rasmussen said "The current crisis poses a serious challenge to our common security. But North America and Europe stand together in facing up to it. And we stand united in our firm response. In recent weeks, we have seen the United States' clear commitment to Europe's security. From the Baltics to the Black Sea. France and other European Allies are complementing that effort."
He urged "all Allies to play their full part. This is the time to find a better balance of costs and responsibilities between Allies. Both between the United States and Europe. And among Allies within Europe."
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