Kiev accuses Moscow of meddling after NATO remarks Kiev (AFP) April 12, 2008 Kiev accused Moscow Saturday of meddling in its internal affairs, a day after Russia's armed forces chief warned of military steps in reaction to Georgia's and Ukraine's desire to join NATO. "The declarations of high Russian officials have an openly anti-Ukrainian nature, questioning the territorial integrity of Ukraine and constitute meddling in the internal affairs" of the country, the foreign ministry said in a statement. On Friday, Russia's armed forces chief General Yury Baluyevsky was quoted by Russian media as saying Moscow "will take action aimed at guaranteeing its interests close to its borders." "It will not only be measures of a military character. There will be other measures," Baluyevsky warned. Earlier this month, NATO turned down Georgia's and Ukraine's applications for Membership Action Plans -- a stepping stone to joining the alliance -- but did say both would eventually become members. Nonetheless, the delay was greeted as a victory by Moscow, which staunchly opposes the two Western-oriented neighbouring countries joining the alliance. Moscow sees the expansion of NATO and the deployment of a US anti-missile shield in central Europe as threats to its security. Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Learn about the Superpowers of the 21st Century at SpaceWar.com Learn about nuclear weapons doctrine and defense at SpaceWar.com US And Chinese Defense Chiefs Open Hotline As Calls For Greater Transparency Increase Washington (AFP) April 10, 2008 US Defense Secretary Robert Gates and his Chinese counterpart General Liang Guanglie used a new telephone hotline Thursday between the US and Chinese defense ministries for the first time, the Pentagon said. |
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