Michael Mullen (R) poses with Valdas Adamkus (C) and Valdas TutkusUS Updating Military Plans After Georgia
Conflict: Mullen -- AFP
Conflict: Mullen -- AFP
VILNIUS (AFP) — The United States is updating its plans to defend Baltic allies against attack, its military chief said Wednesday, calling Russia's invasion of Georgia a "stark reminder" of NATO's responsibilities.
Admiral Michael Mullen said the updated planning, coupled with more exercises, were needed to ensure NATO is prepared to stand behind its charter commitment to come to the defence of any member that is attacked.
"The invasion of Georgia by Russia is in a way a very stark reminder of these responsibilities," he said after meeting Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus.
Mullen sought to reassure the leaders of Latvia and Lithuania after his first talks in Helsinki Tuesday with the chief of the Russian general staff, General Nikolai Makarov, to discuss tensions caused by the August 8 invasion.
Lithuania, Latvia and their neighbour Estonia gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 after five decades of rule from Moscow, and joined NATO in 2004 in part as protection against their former master.
Read more ....
More News On Nato, U.S., And Russia
U.S., Russian military chiefs meet in Helsinki -- Reuters
US, Russian military chiefs meet -- BBC News
Top Military Officers Talk in U.S.-Russia Conference -- New York Times
U.S. Military Leader Stresses NATO Defense for Baltics -- New York Times
U.S. military chief says NATO would defend Baltics -- International Herald Tribune
U.S. says NATO warplanes to patrol Baltic airspace through 2011 -- RIA Novosti
US, Russian Military Chiefs Meet to Discuss Georgia -- Voice Of America