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Good afternoon.
We have just finished a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission with the Ukrainian First Deputy
Minister of Defence.
This was a timely and constructive meeting.
The NATO-Ukraine Commission provides a forum for regular political consultations, based
on the common values of democracy and the rule of law. Today, we all stressed our commitment
to those shared values.
NATO has a long-standing partnership with Ukraine. Today, we made clear that NATO stands
ready to support democratic development, defence reforms, military cooperation, and democratic
control over the security sector.
Only the people of Ukraine can determine their country's future. NATO respects their choice
and stands by them.
I am extremely concerned about the most recent developments in Crimea. This morning's action
by an armed group is dangerous and irresponsible.
I urge Russia not to take any action that could escalate tension or create misunderstanding.
I urge the new Ukrainian leadership to continue its efforts to establish an inclusive political
process that reflects the democratic aspirations of the entire Ukrainian people. And I urge
all parties to step back from confrontation, refrain from provocative actions and return
to the path of dialogue.
There is a need for all concerned to take a responsible stance and to work for stability.
We emphasise the importance of an inclusive political process based on democratic values
and respect for human rights, minorities and the rule of law, which fulfills the democratic
aspirations of the entire Ukrainian people.
As in all democracies, the only way forward is for all parties to respect those values.
Today, we also discussed our mission in Afghanistan. And our continued efforts to support the Afghan
Security Forces in this final year of transition.
Through ISAF, we have made our countries more secure - by denying a safe haven for international
terrorists. And we have made Afghanistan stronger, by training and mentoring the Afghan Security
Forces.
The Afghan security forces are creating the conditions for secure elections. They have
primary responsibility. But we are working with them to provide logistical support.
We reaffirmed the critical importance that these elections are transparent, inclusive
and credible, and produce results acceptable to the Afghan people.
This will help provide the certainty and predictability that Afghans and the international community
expect.
We are focused on completing ISAF. But we also need certainty and predictability to
launch our new mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan forces after 2014.
As we have made clear, this new mission requires the conclusion of the US-Afghanistan Bilateral
Security Agreement and a NATO Status of Forces Agreement. If the Bilateral Security Agreement
is not signed, we cannot conclude the Status of Force Agreement. And without the necessary
legal framework, there simply cannot be a deployment after 2014. No security agreement.
No troops and trainers. These are the hard facts.
So today, we agreed the need to plan for all possible outcomes. Including the possibility
that we may not be able to deploy to Afghanistan after 2014, due to the persistent delays we
have seen.
Let me be clear, that is not the outcome we want. And it is not the outcome that we think
is in the interest of the Afghan people. However, it might be the unfortunate outcome if there
is no security agreement in due time. This is what is at stake.
And with that, I am ready to take your questions.