Secretary General: NATO Allies Stand with Ukraine

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, March 19, 2014[R]ecent events in Ukraine have shown that we cannot take that security and stability for granted. And that we need to stand up for our values.

We have seen Russia rip up the international rule book. Trying to redraw the map of Europe. And creating in just a few weeks the most serious security crisis since the end of the Cold War.

This sort of behaviour goes against international norms. And it simply has no place in the 21st century.

NATO Allies stand with Ukraine. We stand by Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We stand by the right of every nation to decide its own future. And we will continue to support all constructive efforts for a peaceful solution in accordance with international law.

In this crisis, as in any other, the link between North America and Europe is the foundation of our strength.

This transatlantic bond remains vital for both sides of the Atlantic to deal with the serious challenges we face. That is why NATO matters for America, and for Europe. Because we are stronger within the Alliance than we can ever be alone.

In September, we will hold our next NATO Summit, in Wales in the United Kingdom. This is an important opportunity to take tough decisions in view off the long-term strategic implications of today’s crisis. And to shape an Alliance that is fully fit to provide security for your generation, just as it has done for Hillary’s and mine.

We will make clear that our commitment to the security of Allies is unbreakable. We will take decisions about NATO’s operations and capabilities. What more we need to do to prepare for future security challenges. And to offer our partners around the world greater opportunities to consult, decide, and act with us. So that we ensure that NATO remains an anchor of stability in an unpredictable world.

But we will not forget that our greatest asset will always be our people – the courageous, hard-working, smart women and men in our civilian and military ranks. They embody our values and our way of life. They are the true strength of the world’s strongest Alliance.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen is Secretary General of NATO.

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Image: NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, March 19, 2014 (photo: NATO)