Only way to resolve crisis in Ukraine is political, says NATO Secretary General

10:42, 17.04.2014 1 min read

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen again said that the only way to resolve crisis in Ukraine is the political solution. He called on Russia to be part of the solution.

Rasmussen made the statement following the meeting of the North Atlantic Council on April 16.

"We have just taken further measures to respond to the crisis in Ukraine. We agree that a political solution is the only way forward," he said.

"NATO fully supports the Geneva talks and all the efforts of the international community to find a political solution, which fulfils the democratic aspirations of the entire Ukrainian people and respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine," he said.

"We call on Russia to be part of the solution. To stop destabilising Ukraine, pull back its troops from the borders and make clear it doesn't support the violent actions of well armed militias of pro-Russian separatists," Rasmussen said.

"NATO's core task is to protect and defend our Allies," he stated.