NATO and Russia to meet over Ukraine crisis. -Poland’s request to hold consultations within the framework of Article 4 of the Washington Treaty (video)

BRUSSELS. -The NATO alliance announced it will meet with Russia in Brussels on Wednesday to discuss the crisis in Ukraine.

Russia accepted Tuesday NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen's proposal to discuss developments in Ukraine.
After a separate consultation meeting of the alliance's decision-making body, the North Atlantic Council, Rasmussen said Russia's grip on Crimea presented "serious implications for the security and stability of the Euro Atlantic area."
"Despite repeated calls by the international community, Russia continues to violate Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and continues to violate its international commitments," Rasmussen added.

On Monday, reports mentioned a Russian ultimatum that Ukrainian forces in Crimea should surrender to Russian troops on the ground.

• In a press conference Tuesday, Russia's President Vladimir Putin denied having issued the ultimatum. He said military operations in Crimea were a possibility, but not currently necessary.

• The North Atlantic Council's meeting Tuesday came at Poland's request that NATO implement Article 4 of its alliance's treaty.

• NATO's Article 4 proposes a collective defense in the case that Allied countries feel their “territorial integrity, political independence or security” is threatened.

On Saturday, Putin requested that Russia’s Parliament pass a motion to deploy Russian troops in Ukraine’s Crimea region, after the autonomous Republic of Crimea's Prime Minister - Sergey Aksenov - called "for assistance in guaranteeing peace on the territory of the autonomous Republic of Crimea."
The Kremlin said it would not disregard the appeal.
Russian armed troops remain in Crimea, where they have taken control of all top institutions, important roads and airports, in a move that the West considers a violation of international law.
 http://www.aa.com.tr/en/headline/296740--nato-and-russia-to-meet-over-ukraine-crisis
4/3/14
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• NATO chief says Russia threatens Europe's 'peace and security'. -video NATO YT

• La OTAN acusa a Rusia de 'amenazar la paz en Europa'....

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• Statement by the North Atlantic Council following meeting under article 4 of the Washington Treaty

The North Atlantic Council has met at Poland’s request to hold consultations within the framework of Article 4 of the Washington Treaty, which states that “the parties will consult whenever, in the opinion of any of them, the territorial integrity, political independence, or security of any of the parties is threatened.”

Despite repeated calls by the international community, Russia continues to violate Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to violate its international commitments.

These developments present serious implications for the security and stability of the Euro‑Atlantic area.

• Allies stand together in the spirit of strong solidarity in this grave crisis.

We undertake to pursue and intensify our rigorous and on-going assessment of the implications of this crisis for Alliance security, in close coordination and consultation.

We continue to support all constructive efforts for a peaceful solution to the current crisis in accordance with international law. We welcome the ongoing efforts undertaken by the United Nations, the European Union, the OSCE and the Council of Europe.

We will continue to consult with Ukraine within the NATO-Ukraine Commission.
We will engage with Russia in the NATO-Russia Council. We will hold a meeting tomorrow.
 http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/news_107716.htm
4/3/14