Posted on 03/02/2014 1:30:22 PM PST by Army Air Corps
The North Atlantic Council condemns the Russian Federation’s military escalation in Crimea and expresses its grave concern regarding the authorisation by the Russian Parliament to use the armed forces of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine.
Military action against Ukraine by forces of the Russian Federation is a breach of international law and contravenes the principles of the NATO-Russia Council and the Partnership for Peace. Russia must respect its obligations under the United Nations Charter and the spirit and principles of the OSCE, on which peace and stability in Europe rest. We call on Russia to de-escalate tensions.
We call upon the Russian Federation to honor its international commitments, including those set out in the Budapest Memorandum of 1994, the Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation between Russia and Ukraine of 1997, and the legal framework regulating the presence of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, to withdraw its forces to its bases, and to refrain from any interference elsewhere in Ukraine. We urge both parties to immediately seek a peaceful resolution through bilateral dialogue, with international facilitation, as appropriate, and through the dispatch of international observers under the auspices of the United Nations Security Council or the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
Ukraine is a valued partner for NATO and a founding member of the Partnership for Peace. NATO Allies will continue to support Ukrainian sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and the right of the Ukrainian people to determine their own future, without outside interference.
We emphasise the importance of an inclusive political process based on democratic values, respect for human rights, minorities and the rule of law, which fulfils the democratic aspirations of the entire Ukrainian people.
We met today, at Ukraine’s request, to consult in the NATO-Ukraine Commission. We intend to engage with Russia in the NATO-Russia Council.
Ping.
The North Atlantic Council got together, and after considerable debate, they decided to read the United Nations Charter. Having done so, and after considerable debate, they agreed to confer with the NATO-Ukraine Commission. If nothing comes of that, they will then discuss this compelling matter with the NATO-Russia Council. They hope that they will not be forced to draft a strongly worded letter, but no options are off the table.
Well, that's the problem... half of Ukraine wants to stick with Russia and not get sucked into the EU's version of socialist muck.
It's apparent we're not going to see England, France, Germany and Italy moving troops, tanks and aircraft into Poland and Romania any time soon.
And, not a peep from Turkey either.
“NATO Allies will continue to support Ukrainian sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and the right of the Ukrainian people to determine their own future, without outside interference. “
We’ll see what they mean by “support”
OUCH!
I was looking for the right words to comment on this CCG, but you took them right out of my mouth.
Here’s what Putin said last Fall.....
Putin’s Hypocrisy
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/3128676/posts
Russia is just sending in a security force to protect tourists. Yeah, that’s the ticket.
The Ukraine is not a member of NATO.
And, not a peep from Turkey either.
__________________________
There’s this: http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-fm-davutoglu-warns-over-partition-of-ukraine-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=63110&NewsCatID=338
I know. Bu they do border NATO members.
At least four of them, when I glanced at a map and a list.
And one of them, Poland, is apparently moving military assets to the Polish/Ukrainian border. It’s not yet 100% confirmed, but Czech media is talking about it, and they’re trying to get a confirmation from the Polish MOD.
I would expect no less from the Poles, Western Ukraine was Polish, and if the Russians do make a move there (which I don’t believe they will), there will be strong sentiment in Poland to defend their former territory.
Yep. I think most here in this part of Europe have certainly written off Crimea, and maybe east of the Dnieper River.
Beyond that.....all bets are off. I’m detecting a serious case of war fever incubating here in the old Western quarter of the Iron Curtain.
Let’s see...weren’t we going to put missiles in Poland and Putin said oh no you’re not....and Obama said okie dokie.
Bingo-sky
Perhaps you remember that half of Ukraine didn't want to get sucked into Russia's version of socialist muck, precipitating this crisis in the first place.
I don't know why the FM thinks Belarus will be affected. They are already a Russian client state.
Refugees? Nope, the "western" refugees would head to Poland...if the Poles would let them in. And, that's not certain.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.