Wednesday, October 22, 2008

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US military chief promises support to Baltics

VILNIUS, Lithuania -- The United States' top military officer on Wednesday assured the Baltic countries they can rely on NATO protection in case of an attack, seeking to allay fears over Russia's intentions in the region following its invasion of the former Soviet republic of Georgia.

Speaking during a visit Lithuania, Adm. Michael G. Mullen, the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, called the August invasion "unacceptable" and said it "should not happen again."

Mullen said he was aware of the growing fears in Ukraine as well as NATO members Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania over Moscow's intentions.

"I understand the reaction in Baltic states and Ukraine after what happened in Georgia, but let me remind you that NATO commitments of Article 5 are real and obvious," Mullen said. He was referring to the article in the alliance's treaty stating that an attack against one NATO member shall be considered an attack against all members.

Mullen said he discussed this commitment with his Russian counterpart, Gen. Nikolai Makarov, during their meeting in Helsinki on Tuesday.

"The invasion of Georgia was an unacceptable move, and this should not happen again. We will keep a very close eye on what the real threats are," Mullen told reporters in Vilnius.

He said that Russia's invasion of Georgia was "a very strong reminder" to all NATO members of their responsibilities.

"That brought into focus the importance of NATO exercises, planning and other preparations in future," the admiral said.

The Baltic states, which regained independence amid the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, joined NATO in 2004 despite protests from Moscow. Ukraine's pro-Western president has advocated NATO membership.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)