NATO stresses ‘deep concern’ over Ukraine at meeting with Russia
NAN-F-55
NATO
Brussels, March 30, 2017 (dpa/NAN) NATO stressed its continued “deep concern” over the situation in eastern Ukraine during an ambassador-level meeting between NATO members and Russia, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday.
“Allies and Russia continue to have clear disagreements on the crisis in and around Ukraine,” Stoltenberg said.
The meeting marked the first NATO-Russia council of the year, aimed at fostering dialogue and transparency between the 28-member alliance and Russia.
Stoltenberg cited ongoing ceasefire violations in Ukraine, intense fighting and the failure to withdraw heavy weaponry as some of the concerns communicated to Russia during the meeting.
Stoltenberg noted that both sides exchanged some information on their forces’ deployments.
“This was a substantial meeting on topics of common concern.
“It is not an easy dialogue, but it is a dialogue we are committed to,” Stoltenberg said. (dpa/NAN)
OYE/AFA
Edited by Celine-Damilola Oyewole/Felix Ajide