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Opening remarks by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen at the Press Conference held at NATO HQ, Brussels

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

02 Mar. 2014

Good evening.

We have just met in the North Atlantic Council, and the NATO-Ukraine Commission, to discuss the events unfolding in Ukraine.

NATO Allies have agreed a statement which sets out our position.

We condemn Russia's military escalation in Crimea. We express our grave concern regarding the authorisation, by the Russian Parliament, of the use of 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. It 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 Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, on which peace and stability in Europe rest.

We call on Russia to de-escalate tensions.

We call upon Russia to honour all its international commitments, 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 dialogue, through the dispatch of international observers under the auspices of the United Nations Security Council or the OSCE.

We emphasise the importance of an inclusive political process in Ukraine based on democratic values, respect for human rights, minorities and the rule of law which fulfills the democratic aspirations of the entire Ukrainian people.

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 have just met in the NATO-Ukraine Commission, at Ukraine's request. And we intend to engage with Russia in the NATO-Russia Council.

Today, NATO made clear that we stand by Ukraine as a valued partner, and we stand by the norms and principles of international law.

And with that, I am ready to take your questions.