World leaders have arrived for the NATO Summit at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport. The summit has been marked by protests and one of the largest security operations to ever take place on British soil. Ukraine and Islamic State have topped the agenda.
05 September 2014
NATO is aiming to promote greater interoperability between Ukraine’s forces and the alliance, according to an official declaration signed in Wales.
“We have launched additional efforts to support the reform and transformation of the security and defense sectors and promote greater interoperability between Ukraine’s and NATO forces,” the document reads. “These efforts are designed to enhance Ukraine’s ability to provide for its own security.”
NATO said it welcomes Ukraine’s participation in the Partnership Interoperability Initiative and “Ukraine’s interest in the enhanced opportunities within the Initiative, and look forward to its future participation.”
British police thanked protesters at the NATO summit in Wales for the peaceful nature of demonstrations.
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'We will defend every ally' - President Obama speaking from NATO summit in Wales http://t.co/RkRl9U7znepic.twitter.com/ymmj8nT41m
— NBC Nightly News (@NBCNightlyNews) September 5, 2014
Reports: No To NATO protesters outside and inside Barclays bank in Newport have glued themselves to floor and furniture.
Obama says NATO leaders has reaffirmed their commitment to mutual defence and to deployments in Eastern Europe. They have agreed the new “spearhead” rapid-reaction force, and they have committed themselves to spending more on defence. He said “NATO will not be complacent.”
The US president said NATO allies will supply security support to Ukraine, including non-lethal equipment and support for logistics. “We have sent a message to Russia that actions have consequences,” he said, as new sanctions are discussed. He says Russia must stop its violations of Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
The combat mission in Afghanistan ends in three months, and NATO urges the two presidential candidates to make the necessary compromises.
Obama said NATO’s partners will also join a broad, international effort to combat Isis.
President Obama about to hold a press conference from NATO Summit. Watch it LIVE here.
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Full White House statement on killing al-Shabaab’s Ahmed Godane pic.twitter.com/fw2MnAtrzV
— Paul Danahar (@pdanahar) September 5, 2014
Wales Summit Declaration: Nuclear weapons
"As long as nuclear weapons exist, NATO will remain a nuclear alliance. The strategic nuclear forces of the Alliance, particularly those of the United States, are the supreme guarantee of the security of the Allies. The independent strategic nuclear forces of the United Kingdom and France have a deterrent role of their own and contribute to the overall deterrence and security of the Alliance. The circumstances in which any use of nuclear weapons might have to be contemplated are extremely remote."
Read the full Wales Summit Declaration here.
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BREAKING NEWS: Pentagon confirms Ahmed Godane, co-founder of al-Shabaab, was killed in U.S. air strike in Somalia
— Guy Faulconbridge (@GuyReuters) September 5, 2014
Wales Summit Declaration: Islamic State
"The so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) poses a grave threat to the Iraqi people, to the Syrian people, to the wider region, and to our nations. We are outraged by ISIL’s recent barbaric attacks against all civilian populations, in particular the systematic and deliberate targeting of entire religious and ethnic communities. We condemn in the strongest terms ISIL’s violent and cowardly acts. If the security of any Ally is threatened, we will not hesitate to take all necessary steps to ensure our collective defence."
Read the full Wales Summit Declaration here.
Wales Summit Declaration: Russia
"The Alliance does not seek confrontation and poses no threat to Russia. But we cannot and will not compromise on the principles on which our Alliance and security in Europe and North America rest."
Read the full Wales Summit Declaration here.
Wales Summit Declaration: Russia
"We condemn in the strongest terms Russia's escalating and illegal military intervention in Ukraine and demand that Russia stop and withdraw its forces from inside Ukraine and along the Ukrainian border. This violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity is a serious breach of international law and a major challenge to Euro-Atlantic security. We do not and will not recognise Russia's illegal and illegitimate 'annexation' of Crimea. We demand that Russia comply with international law and its international obligations and responsibilities; end its illegitimate occupation of Crimea; refrain from aggressive actions against Ukraine; withdraw its troops; halt the flow of weapons, equipment, people and money across the border to the separatists; and stop fomenting tension along and across the Ukrainian border. Russia must use its influence with the separatists to de-escalate the situation and take concrete steps to allow for a political and a diplomatic solution which respects Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and internationally recognised borders."
Read the full Wales Summit Declaration here.
Francois Hollande, the French president, says France would join a military coalition to fight Isis:
“Are we going to participate in a coalition at the request of Iraqi authorities, in the respect of international law, to fight this terrorist group? The response is yes.”
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Waiting for #Obama at #NATOSummitWalespic.twitter.com/01JrjwzTYG
— Thorsten Jungholt (@AutorToto) September 5, 2014
Reports: Anti-NATO protesters staging a sit-down protest in a Newport branch of Barclay's Bank.
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Read the #NATOSummitWales Declaration--pivotal moment in Euro-Atlantic security: http://t.co/myzfVof0Hnpic.twitter.com/fPXeyCC1fR
— US Mission to NATO (@USNATO) September 5, 2014
Wales Summit Declaration: Spending
We agree to reverse the trend of declining defence budgets, to make the most effective use of our funds and to further a more balanced sharing of costs and responsibilities. Our overall security and defence depend both on how much we spend and how we spend it. Increased investments should be directed towards meeting our capability priorities, and Allies also need to display the political will to provide required capabilities and deploy forces when they are needed. A strong defence industry across the Alliance, including a stronger defence industry in Europe and greater defence industrial cooperation within Europe and across the Atlantic, remains essential for delivering the required capabilities. NATO and EU efforts to strengthen defence capabilities are complementary. Taking current commitments into account, we are guided by the following considerations:
Allies currently meeting the NATO guideline to spend a minimum of 2% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on defence will aim to continue to do so. Likewise, Allies spending more than 20% of their defence budgets on major equipment, including related Research & Development, will continue to do so.
Allies whose current proportion of GDP spent on defence is below this level will:
- halt any decline in defence expenditure;
- aim to increase defence expenditure in real terms as GDP grows;
- aim to move towards the 2% guideline within a decade with a view to meeting their NATO Capability Targets and filling NATO's capability shortfalls.
Allies who currently spend less than 20% of their annual defence spending on major new equipment, including related Research & Development, will aim, within a decade, to increase their annual investments to 20% or more of total defence expenditures.
All Allies will:
- ensure that their land, air and maritime forces meet NATO agreed guidelines for deployability and sustainability and other agreed output metrics;
- ensure that their armed forces can operate together effectively, including through the implementation of agreed NATO standards and doctrines.
Read the full Wales Summit Declaration here.
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On eyes on him: Ukranian President Petro Poroshenko announces new ceasfire with Pro-Russian rebels #NATOSummitWalespic.twitter.com/nZdJGIkbHB
— Derek Momodu (@DelDeGooner) September 5, 2014
Wales Summit Declaration
"In order to ensure that our Alliance is ready to respond swiftly and firmly to the new security challenges, today we have approved the NATO Readiness Action Plan. It provides a coherent and comprehensive package of necessary measures to respond to the changes in the security environment on NATO’s borders and further afield that are of concern to Allies. It responds to the challenges posed by Russia and their strategic implications. It also responds to the risks and threats emanating from our southern neighbourhood, the Middle East and North Africa. The Plan strengthens NATO’s collective defence. It also strengthens our crisis management capability. The Plan will contribute to ensuring that NATO remains a strong, ready, robust, and responsive Alliance capable of meeting current and future challenges from wherever they may arise."
Read the full Wales Summit Declaration here.
Read the full Wales Summit Declaration here.
Cameron ends with a thank you to the staff at Celtic Manor, to the police, to the armed forces, and to the people of Wales who have given such a “warm welcome” to the world.
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PM: NATO allies will leave reassured that NATO alliance is as strong as it's ever been #NATOSummitUK
— UK Prime Minister (@Number10gov) September 5, 2014
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President @poroshenko of #Ukraine announces ceasefire agreement from 16:00 BST. #NATOSummitUK. Photo: @Ieuanb123pic.twitter.com/681eu2oCA6
— NATO Wales 2014 (@NATOWales) September 5, 2014
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David Cameron: NATO allies will leave reassured that NATO alliance is as strong as it's ever been #NATOSummitUKpic.twitter.com/ZWFaxnxt4m
— NATO Wales 2014 (@NATOWales) September 5, 2014
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David Cameron: Today we've taken the Military Covenant internationally. A commitment for us to honour, revear and support our armed forces.
— NATO Wales 2014 (@NATOWales) September 5, 2014
David Cameron spoke on the NATO response to IS:
"We have agreed to offer a NATO training mission for Iraq as soon as a new Iraqi government is in place."
"The fight against ISIL must be led by the Iraqis themselves."
David Cameron has urged other NATO member states to meet their financial commitments to NATO.
"Britain is one of only four countries that currently spends 2 percent of its GDP on defence. But others will now do more," he said.
David Cameron said:
“The Alliance is firmly committed to providing ongoing reassurance to our Eastern Allies.
“The UK will contribute 3,500 personnel to exercises in Eastern Europe between now and the end of 2015 as part of NATO’s effort to ensure a persistent presence on our Eastern flank.
“We have also agreed to step up NATO’s ability to respond quickly to any threat with a new multi-national spearhead force deployable anywhere in just 2 to 5 days.
“The UK will provide a battlegroup and a brigade headquarters and I hope other nations will set out their plans too, backing communique words with concrete action.”
David Cameron said:
“There has been a clear message to Russia that what President Putin is doing is indefensible and wrong.
“While we meet here in Newport, a package of sanctions is being finalised in Brussels that will further increase the economic cost to Russia for its behaviour.
“We stand firmly behind Ukraine’s right to make its own decisions, not to have them dictated by Russian tanks rolling over the border.
“And we will continue our efforts to support Ukraine, including by providing financial assistance to improve their command, control and communication capabilities.”
Petro Poroshenko, the Ukrainian president, held his press conference at the same time as Anders Fogh Rasmussen’s closing speech.
He said he wants a peaceful solution to the crisis in eastern Ukraine. He has given an order for a ceasefire starting in half an hour’s time. It is important to continue political dialogue during the ceasefire, he says.
There will be decentralisation of power, he says, and guarantees for language rights and for cultural freedoms. He expects hostages to be released tomorrow.
He says he is “very satisfied” with the result of the NATO Summit. What was happening before was “absolutely unacceptable” in the 21st century, he says.
He stresses that this peace process is based on his peace plan, and on the territorial integrity of his country.
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Thank you @David_Cameron for hosting #NATOsummitUK. Thank you to the people of #Wales, thank you for your warm hospitality: Diolch yn fawr
— AndersFogh Rasmussen (@AndersFoghR) September 5, 2014
In the Summit’s closing press conference, Anders Fogh Rasmussen announced that Jan Stoltenberg, former PM of Norway, will become the new Secretary General of NATO from October 1st.
Rasmussen said the Summit had achieved a readiness action plan and improved cooperation with its partners.
Finances and shared responsibilities had been a top priority in today’s sessions.
“When it comes to security, you get what you pay for and it doesn’t come on the cheap,” cautioned Rasmussen.
“We need to invest additional effort and money, so today the alliance made a pledge of defence investment.”
Agreement was reached on reversing declining defence budgets and efforts made to spent members’ contributions “as efficiently and effectively as possible.”
The Summit failed to win pledges from all member states to meet the goal of 2 percent GDP on defence. Instead, the target would remain on the agenda of future conferences and would be reviewed every year.
Rasmussen said meeting these targets would be “no easy task” and that there was “much work to do” but that “the direction of travel is clear.”
“Security of our countries and citizens is too important for us to cut corners or to cut still more funds and without security we can have no prosperity,” he said.
Efforts were still needed to “ensure a more fair and balanced share of costs and responsibilities.”
“NATO will remain the bedrock of our collective defence,” said Rasmussen in summing up. “We have made NATO fitter faster and more flexible.”
“We have cut fat and built muscle,” he added.
In his final address as Secretary General of NATO, Rasmussen reflected on his five year tenure. “These have been among the busiest and most challenging years of our alliance,” he said.
Rasmussen thanked David Cameron for hosting summit and the Welsh people for “their warm hospitality.”
Jan Stoltenberg, former PM of Norway, named new Secretary General of NATO from October.
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[at #NATOSummitUK] CV-22 Osprey showed #NATO special ops capabilities. pic.twitter.com/FzXY5XG32M
— NATO (@NATO) September 5, 2014
Petro Poroshenko, the Ukrainian president, is about to give a press conference at the NATO summit.
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@NATO Kurdish demonstrators protest against the ISIS shouting pro-NATO slogans in front of Cardiff's castle pic.twitter.com/FzuWfFUifc
— Rowan Al-Amin (@Rowanalamin) September 5, 2014
The Ministry of Defence has issued the following statement from the NATO Summit:
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has signed a letter of intent with international partners to develop the Joint Expeditionary Force.
The letter of intent, signed with partners from Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Norway, aims to develop the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) so that it is fully operational before 2018.
The JEF is a pool of high readiness, adaptable forces that is designed to enhance the UK’s ability to respond rapidly, anywhere in the world, with like-minded allies, or on behalf of international organisations such as the UN or NATO.
The UK’s contribution will include the lead commando, airborne, armoured, aviation, air and maritime task groups.
The Defence Secretary said: “I am very pleased that we have signed a letter of intent with our partners to establish the Joint Expeditionary Force.
“This will be developed around the UK’s existing high readiness units and will provide a capability that can respond anywhere in the world, in any environment, as part of a coalition, or on behalf of international organisations such as the UN and NATO.
“We are stronger together. Our partners from Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Norway have all agreed to attach forces to the JEF when the time is right for us to stand together.”
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Media awaiting @P_Porochenko press conference @NATOWales after ceasefire-agreement. #NATOSummitWalespic.twitter.com/sJmFtfq0ct
— Markus Feldenkirchen (@MFeldenkirchen) September 5, 2014
It was not immediately clear whether the Ukrainian side had agreed to all elements of Putin's plan before signing the ceasefire, the Guardian reports.
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"@TV2FinnOve: Ukrain president will sign Peace accord today at 1600 gmt, he tells Norwegian pm. #NATOSummitWalespic.twitter.com/hkVubMwArU"
— Dag Johnny Kvarsvik (@djkvarsvik) September 5, 2014
Interfax reports that the ceasefire will come into effect at 6pm local time (1600 GMT).
The official Twitter account of the Donetsk rebels said: “Representatives of the Donetsk People's Republic, the Luhansk People's Republic, and Ukraine have signed a ceasefire protocol,” according tothe Guardian.
A ceasefire has been agreed in east Ukraine during talks in Minsk between the Ukrainian government and separatist leaders, according to news reports from the Belarusian capital.
World leaders won’t leave the Summit empty handed. A selection of fine Welsh goods have been presented to all delegates.
Welsh cakes, a rugby ball, woollen socks, honey, slate coasters and poetry by Dylan Thomas were included in handmade willow baskets to showcase the region’s products and character.
Also included were Welsh gold cufflinks and bracelets, whiskey, woollen journals, prints, a commemorative piece crafted by the Royal Mint and a Sony Raspberry Pi credit-card sized computer.
A message from the Prime Minister David Cameron inside the gift basket reads:
“During this summit you will see many examples of Wales’ strong defence and aerospace sectors. Here are some fine examples of its strong heritage in craftsmanship and food too.
“From the poems of Dylan Thomas and the craftsmanship of the Royal Mint to produce being made today in Wales, I hope you will enjoy each of these gifts and be inspired by them to find out about all that Wales has to offer.”
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Such a privilege to host the #NATO leaders last night. A night that adds to the history of the Castle pic.twitter.com/P2NS89RDHE
— Cardiff Castle (@cardiff_castle) September 5, 2014
Experts warn the British government’s program of cuts has ‘damaged’ the army, leaving it ‘vulnerable’ during a period of heightened geo-political tensions.
Under the plan, defense spending has been cut by 8 percent over the past four years, as part of the government’s agenda to reduce its budget deficit.
Since the plan was implemented, the British army has shrunk to its smallest size in modern history, from 102,000 full time officers in 2010 to 82,500 at present.
More here
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Ideas of cooperation with Assad 'ludicrous... Neither UK or US are going to touch that with a barge pole' senior official at #NATOSummitUK
— Mark Urban (@MarkUrban01) September 5, 2014
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Interesting rumour on margin of #NATOSummitUK No UK bombing in Iraq until after Scotland votes. Seen as possible gift to Salmond #indyRAF
— Mark Urban (@MarkUrban01) September 4, 2014
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#NATO-expansion since 1949 in one map. @stratfor via @MatthiasMeisnerpic.twitter.com/fuIGBcBp8D#NATOSummitUK
— Christian Thiels (@ThielsChristian) September 5, 2014
Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski welcomed the announcement of a “spearhead” rapid-reaction force.
“We value very highly the fact that there is a progress in increasing the level of NATO readiness to create [a spearhead], including assigned forces that comprise around 5,000 troops for absolutely immediate reaction,” he told reporters.
Poland will host the next NATO Summit.
Fresh sanctions against Russia, covering banking, energy and defence, are expected to be announced this afternoon.
Philip Hammond, the UK foreign secretary, said there was “a great deal of scepticsm” about the ceasefire offer.
Petro Poroshenko, the Ukrainian president, told the BBC that he was “absolutely not confident” about the ceasefire working.
David Cameron this morning outlined NATO’s three core priorities: to act more swiftly to security concerns, to increase NATO’s capacity to respond and to expand partnerships with other states.
“After the long years of the Cold War, the vision of a Europe whole, free and at peace seemed within our grasp. Yet today the protection and security that NATO provides is as vital to our future as it has ever been in our past,” he said.
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And the great Nato clear up has begun in Cardiff. #NATOSummitWalespic.twitter.com/ccg4VnTxq0
— Ruth Mosalski (@ruthmosalski) September 5, 2014
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NATO leaders take decisions to ensure robust Alliance http://t.co/K5svm9Ht8E#NATOSummitUKpic.twitter.com/vg0XGIDgJh
— NATO (@NATO) September 5, 2014
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#NATOSummitUK#NATOSummitWales#NATO#NATOforUkraine#antiNATOpic.twitter.com/lI1yeOKOwY
— OzMa13 (@OzMa13) September 5, 2014
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NATO Special Operations Command HQ is now fully operational. @SHAPE_NATO#NATOSummitUKpic.twitter.com/nsCjUmzFfk
— US Mission to NATO (@USNATO) September 5, 2014
Following the morning session, Anders Fogh Rasmussen announced that Poland will host the next NATO Summit.
He said the alliance agreed to “maintain a continuing presence in the eastern part of the alliance on a rotational basis.”
The session also agreed to create a spearhead of “several thousand land troops ready to deploy in a few days with sea and air support.”
This included the creation of a “command and control presence” in the east, including “reception facilities and pre-positioned equipment.”
Allies agreed on more intelligence sharing and on more short notice military exercises, so that NATO is able to “deal swiftly and firmly with any threat.”
Rasmussen said the measures would send “a clear message to any potential aggressor” that “NATO protect all allies at all times.” If you attack one, he said, “you will be facing the whole alliance.”
He hoped the measures would “ensure NATO remains strong, ready, robust and responsive.”
A package of 16 priorities, among them an enhanced cyber defence, were approved in the session. Cyber-attacks, Rasmussen said, “can threaten the prosperity, security and stability” of states and “harm modern societies as much as conventional attack.”
“Cyber defence is part of NATO’s core task of collective defence,” he added.
Agreement was reached on opening NATO’s doors to Georgia, Moldova, Jordan and Lybia “when conditions permit.” Montenegro’s candidacy would also be discussed.
Allies are ready to assist Iraq if they request assistance, he added.
President of Poland announcement: Poland will host the next NATO Summit.
Last night's luxury dinner at Cardiff Castle for NATO leaders. Meanwhile, protests raged outside.
#NATOSummitUK: Last night's Leaders Dinner | More photos here: http://t.co/QAGNVURdYWpic.twitter.com/gcKMRdttEn
— US Mission to NATO (@USNATO) September 5, 2014
David Cameron has been pushing for a new spearhead rapid-reaction force for some weeks. On Friday, day two of the NATO Summit, he pledged 3,500 UK personnel to such a force.
This is in the context of hardened rhetoric against Russia over the Ukraine crisis. NATO leaders have made clear they want to move the alliance’s influence eastward.
The issue of defence spending has caused some contention. Cameron and Obama have been calling on NATO leaders to honor their pledge of 2 percent GDP to alliance spending. RT’s Harry Fear reports.
Press briefing with Secretary General due to begin. Announcements on structure of new NATO rapid-response force expected. Watch live here.
NATO leaders sign pledge that “allies agree to halt further defense cuts.” This follows years of austerity in which the UK and others have slashed defense budgets.
Can NATO members afford to meet their financial commitments to the alliance? Cameron and Obama have been calling on NATO leaders to honor their pledge of 2 percent GDP to alliance spending. The Times this morning ran a very apt cartoon.
@mortenmorland cartoon in @thetimes on paying the bill for #NATOSummitUK#Ukraine and #ISpic.twitter.com/PbeCTDmxk2#ThanksUSA#bbcdp
— Mr Skylord (@mr_skylord) September 5, 2014
The Welsh Government has confirmed it has spent £3m in total on the NATO Summit.
Samira Hamidi, a 35-year-old Afghan woman, travelled 4,500 miles to protest outside Cardiff City Hall about NATO not paying enough attention to women’s rights in Afghanistan, the Press Association reports.
“Peace and security agreements cannot be sustainable or effective without meaningful participation from 50 percent of the population,” said Hamidi.
“The future of training and support for Afghanistan is on the agenda at NATO.
“However, when it is discussed tomorrow, the voices of Afghan women will once again be worryingly absent.”
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U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, left of center, meets with other NATO defense secretaries at #NATOSummitUKpic.twitter.com/vARPSO67IB
— US Mission to NATO (@USNATO) September 5, 2014
Coming up at the NATO Summit in Wales, secretary general Anders Fogh Rasmussen will hold a 12.30pm press conference to feed back on this morning's session.
Thursday's luxury dinner held for NATO leaders at Cardiff Castle irks protesters. Arrests were made.
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'NATO needs to change to face today's challenges' - Cameron http://t.co/kjwd88aXdN FOLLOW LIVE #NATOSummitWaleshttp://t.co/5xEe0WiOUA
— Ruptly (@Ruptly) September 5, 2014
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop: Australia is willing to do more to combat IS, hasn't ruled out airstrikes in US-led coalition.
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#nato menu from last nights function for leaders, foreign secretary's and defence secretary's. #NATOSummitWalespic.twitter.com/b50nAUxVqQ
— lee evans (@chefleeevans) September 5, 2014
US secretary of state, John Kerry, said: “We need to attack [Isis] in ways that prevent them from taking over territory, to bolster the Iraqi security forces and others in the region who are prepared to take them on, without committing troops of our own. Obviously I think that’s a red line for everybody here: no boots on the ground.”
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Simon Gibson from @TheCelticManor explains why #NATOSummitUK is good for #Wales and good for local community http://t.co/cjoKOHL3Rz
— NATO Wales 2014 (@NATOWales) September 5, 2014
The US have announced they are forming a “core coalition” to fight Islamic State, Reuters reports.
It says the 10 countries involved so far are: the US, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Turkey, Poland, Canada and Australia.
The Danish foreign minister, Martin Lidegaard, has said Denmark will join an international coalition against IS.
Can NATO members afford to meet their financial commitments to the alliance? Members pay a total of one trillion dollars on defence – more than the rest of the world combined. However, 73 percent of this is currently met by the US.
Rory Broomfield of the Freedom Association spoke to RT.
“If you’re not going to play by the rules of the alliance or the club then you shouldn’t be in it. This is an agreed to condition of membership and at a time when some of its members are under threat – the UK raised its threat level to ‘severe’ just the other day – we need to step up. We need our alliances to also step up and of course meet the conditions that have already been agreed to.”
“It is a defence alliance, and if a country is under threat then that invokes certain clauses which mean they have to be involved. Now of course they may not be jumping at the chance to send some of their military personnel in, however, they need to realize the wider issue here, that this is a testing time. The UK and other member states of NATO are under threat and there needs to be a proportionate response and also a combined response from the other NATO members.”
“If there is a concern by some NATO states as to whether the US has more control than they do, then they need to make those concerns known, but also need to take action to address those concerns. And a good start would be meeting their pledge to spend 2 percent of GDP.”
David Cameron has been pushing for a new spearhead rapid-reaction force for some weeks. On Friday, day two of the NATO Summit, he pledged 3,500 UK personnel to such a force.
This is in the context of hardened rhetoric against Russia over the Ukraine crisis. NATO leaders have made clear they want to move the alliance’s influence eastward.
The issue of defence spending has caused some contention. Cameron and Obama have been calling on NATO leaders to honor their pledge of 2 percent GDP to alliance spending. RT’s Harry Fear reports.
One Guardian journalist was less than impressed by the standard of organization put in place for reporters covering the Summit!
Hundreds of foreign reporters left stranded in Nato summit site car park for 2 hours. Worst run summit ever attended. Well done Dave.
— Patrick Wintour (@patrickwintour) September 4, 2014
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Read the Military Covenant agreed at #NATOSummitUK to strengthen support for Armed Forces: http://t.co/A4WchzZNttpic.twitter.com/X4tY77esMT
— Bevan Desmond (@moromotujer) September 5, 2014
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“@NATOWales: #NATO leaders watch the #flypast at #NATOSummitUK. Photo by @Ieuanb123. pic.twitter.com/x5A0dClTXo” What is Hollande looking at?
— G.M. Allard (@GillAllard) September 5, 2014
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BREAKING: "No boots on the ground" is common red line for allies in combating Islamic State—@JohnKerry#NATO#NATOSummitWales
— Auskar Surbakti (@AuskarSurbakti) September 5, 2014
Foreign secretary, Philip Hammond, spoke on the BBC this morning, calling for fresh EU sanctions on Russia. He said, if the proposed ceasefire in Ukraine is implemented, the sanctions could be suspended.
“We can always take the sanctions off afterwards. We don’t want to be distracted from our determination to impose further sanctions in response to Russia’s major military adventure into Ukraine,” said Hammond.
“One of the things is the lack of transparency, we don’t know what’s in President Putin’s mind."
“We hoped we were building a constructive, new relationship with a Russia that would be part of the international community of nations. That doesn’t appear to be happening because President Putin has decided that to go down this course of confrontation, making the west an adversary rather than a partner.”
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World leaders gathering to see fly past at #NATOSummitUK! pic.twitter.com/WsnKcghC4l
— US Mission to NATO (@USNATO) September 5, 2014
Anders Fogh Rasmussen opened day two of the NATO Summit saying the alliance is “united in a commitment to our values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law.”
“We share an iron clad commitment to defend ourselves against attack. All for one, one for all. That is what NATO is all about.”
He said NATO was a “source of stability in unpredictable world” but that “fundamental principles of security are being challenged in ways not seen since end of cold war.”
“In a dangerous world we must continue to respond to these challenges with unity and strength. Ready to defend all allies against any threat.”
David Cameron also spoke. “After the long years of the cold war, a vision of a peaceful Europe seemed within our grasp,” he said.
Citing “new and evolving dangers” he claimed that “Russia is ripping up the rule book” and that “an arch of instability bends from North Africa to the Middle East.”
“We are united in condemnation of the barbaric and despicable acts,” he said.
Cameron said the session would focus on reassuring Eastern European states and search for ways to make NATO “act more swiftly”. One outcome he hoped for was the institution of a “multinational spearhead force deployable anywhere in the world within 2 to 5 days.”
He said the UK would contribute 3,400 personal to such a force. He added that NATO “must increase [its] capacity” urging member states to meet their 2 percent GDP funding commitment – 20 percent of which to be spent on equipment.
“Our collective resolve is as important as ever,” he added.
RT’s Harry Fear reports from the protests outside Cardiff Castle where world leaders attending the NATO Summit arrived for dinner.
Protesters outside the Castle venue were angry with NATO and the military alliance’s perceived medalling in Eastern Europe. NATO agreed on Thursday to give Ukraine 15mn euros worth of lethal and non-lethal military supplies.
NATO members have explicitly called out Russia for its alleged involvement in the Ukraine crisis and call for a ceasefire and a political agreement.
Those protesting outside the Summit venues were also angry about a proposed intervention in the Middle East against IS.
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Well.That was misty! RT“@RAFCircus8: #NATOSummitWales and fly past in diamond 9 formation with @RAFRed8#reds50pic.twitter.com/6xvK2qGptv”
— Red8 (@RAFRed8) September 5, 2014
Hundreds of protesters marched from the center of Newport yesterday in a show of opposition to the NATO Summit. There are reports of several marches taking place in other Welsh towns during the Summit.
Photo: Demonstration against #NATOSummitWalespic.twitter.com/1fmCtcpGj7
— VindobonaNorikum (@VindobonNorikum) September 5, 2014
It’s the second and final day of the NATO Summit in Wales.
Today, delegates will focus on NATO’s rapid-reaction force to be deployed in Eastern Europe and the Baltic states.
Timetable of events:
9.30am: The first formal meeting of the North Atlantic council starts.
12.30pm: Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the NATO secretary general, holds a press conference.
1pm: The North Atlantic council starts its second formal session.
3pm: Rasmussen holds a second press conference.
After 3pm: David Cameron and other NATO leaders are expected to give their own press conferences.
Check out more of RT’s news and analysis from the NATO Summit so far:
NATO summit hits Wales at ‘critical time’, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Islamic State top agenda
'Welfare not warfare': Protesters march on NATO Summit
NATO to give Ukraine 15mn euros, lethal and non-lethal military supplies from members
‘Promoting peace and stability’: NATO warships enter Black Sea
‘Most convincing evidence’: Russian embassy trolls NATO with toy tanks
Red Arrows flypast at the NATO Summit
Did you see it? #NatoFlypast@NATOWales - done! #NATOSummitUKpic.twitter.com/xx3LB1m8aJ
— U.S. Embassy London (@USAinUK) September 5, 2014
04 September 2014
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said NATO wants a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis and is ready to talk to Russia, but at the same time it is prepared to use more sanctions.
"We're also prepared to lend weight to our political demands by imposing further sanctions," Merkel said at the NATO summit in Wales on Thursday. "But the message is that we want a political solution; we and especially the Ukrainian president are, of course, prepared to speak to Russia about that."
Merkel added that all NATO members are unanimous in thinking that the Ukrainian crisis will not be solved with military action.
The United States is planning a new round of sanctions aimed at the Russian Federation over the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, the White House said on Thursday, and the European Union is reportedly on the verge of doing the same.
NATO has pledged some 15 million euros to Ukraine, with several of the bloc’s member states pledging separate bilateral support and military cooperation, involving medical supplies as well as lethal and nonlethal military equipment.
NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen announced a "comprehensive and tailored package of measures" including the donation of 15 million euros “through NATO” at a joint news conference with the Ukrainian president on Thursday on the first day of the NATO summit in Wales.
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NATO Summit: No arrests were made in connection with the protest march, Chief Supt Alun Thomas said.
— John Phillips (@ArgusJPhillips) September 4, 2014
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NATO says no formal request for help from Iraq yet; Iraqi Pres. appeals for aid in intv w/ me: http://t.co/Cddg9oVn1wpic.twitter.com/W0kMl6k73n
— Christiane Amanpour (@camanpour) September 4, 2014
NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said the alliancecalls on Russia “to step back from confrontation and take the path of peace”.
He said “Ukraine has been an active and reliable partner to NATO over many years” and that “we highly value our partnership”.
“NATO stands with Ukraine” he said, and NATO “support their democratic reforms”.
Rasmussen added NATO“will help build a strong modern army” in Ukraine, and that member states “are determined to make it even stronger today and in the future”.
The public part of the session has now ended.
RT footage of anti-NATO protests.
NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said the sacrifices of NATO and Afghan troops have improved global security and that Afghanistan is no longer a safe haven for international terrorist.
Calling it an “unprecedented” effort, Rasmussen said the ISAF mission will come to an end in December, when 350,000 Afghan police and troops will take over security.
He said the “nature and scope” of the NATO mission in Afghanistan will change, but that the alliance will “stand ready to launch a new non-combat mission” to train and assist once legal framework is in place.
NATO is willing to assist financially as part of broader international commitment until the end of 2017, he said.
Afghanistan, too, will increase its own financial commitment, with “transparency, accountably and openness”.
“Most Afghans don’t want to return to the dark days,” said Rasmussen, who said NATO“will support a stabled united and democratic state” that promotes the rule of law and human rights.
This was the key, he said, to regional stability and the best opportunity for Afghans to gain a better future with security.
David Cameron said he will not rule out air strikes against Islamic State, which is holding a British hostage.
Asked by the BBC whether strikes could be launched without Syria’s approval, he said President Assad's government was “illegitimate”.
European Council president, Herman Van Rompuy, has urged Afghanistan’s two presidential candidates to “put the interests of the country first and redouble their efforts in forming an inclusive Government of National Unity. The message coming from both candidates is encouraging.”
Read my full intervention on #Afghanistan at #NATOsummitUKhttp://t.co/66zAae9GLi
— Herman Van Rompuy (@euHvR) September 4, 2014
NATO communique reaffirms alliance intends to continue financially underwriting the Afghan security forces until 2024.
Hundreds of protesters marched from the center of Newport in a show of opposition to the NATO Summit. There are reports of several marches taking place in other Welsh towns.
An estimated 500 NATO opponents made a three-mile trek to the venue in a peaceful protest through Newport. The turnout appears to be well below the 2,500 predicted by organizers.
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RT @ArgusMEden: Newport NATO Protest. The protesters start their march at the Cenotaph. #natonewport@southwalesarguspic.twitter.com/2wxMVDqo4U
— Emma Mackintosh (@ArgusMackintosh) September 4, 2014
NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen to give press conference shortly to feed back on first session discussing the end of NATO's mission in Afghanistan.
Poroshenko has also thanked France for its decision not to send naval ships to Russia:
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— Петро Порошенко (@poroshenko) September 4, 2014
Ukranian President Petro Poroshenko has tweeted about his plans for a ceasefire deal with Russia:
— Петро Порошенко (@poroshenko) September 4, 2014
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What a line up! RT @Ieuanb123: Just snapped this #natosummituk#mywales#natopic.twitter.com/Q4zypvw34B
— Celtic Manor Resort (@TheCelticManor) September 4, 2014
Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond meets with Ukraine Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin at #NATOSummitUKpic.twitter.com/jLIJvGyxZw
— uacrisis (@uacrisis) September 4, 2014
French President Hollande says decision on further European sanctions against Russia will depend on events in next few hours- Reuters
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#ISAF members hold #Afghanistan commemoration at #NATOSummitUK. Photo by @Ieuanb123. pic.twitter.com/K9RfliVdsE
— NATO Wales 2014 (@NATOWales) September 4, 2014
Protest in Newport against NATO has been a largely tame affair so far but protesters promise to 'besiege' Cardiff castle later.
The Telegraph reports that Conservative partywhips have been canvassing opinion among backbenchers about the prospect of a military intervention in Iraq and Syria:
"Sources played down the disclosure and said that it is not a sign any decision has been taken on whether to launch air strikes. However, they conceded that the mood amongst Conservative MPs is “hardening” in favour of military action".
Protest beginning to disperse. No violence at this stage, though some protesters continue to bang against metal fence.
Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) activists delivered letters of protest.
Handing in letters at the NATO summit #NoToNatopic.twitter.com/FsTy0NmM3B
— Kate Hudson (@kate4peace2014) September 4, 2014
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Rep: "We have to overcome Nato. Our fight is not at the end. We need the money for education, for schools, against poverty" #natonewport
— Jen Mills (@ArgusJenMills) September 4, 2014
Watch Harry Fear's report on anti-NATO protest in Wales
Loud chanting erupted as the march arrived at the cordon where scores of people pounding against the steel fencing chanting “Welfare not warfare”. Police in riot gear and helmets can be clearly seen at various points behind the barrier.
Delegation of protesters allowed in to deliver messages are now being let out. Protesters are pushing back.
Protesters break through a segment of the fence surrounding NATO Summit venue only to find more fence behind.
Protesters demonstrating against the NATO Summit have reached the steel fence surrounding the venue. Standoff between activists and police.
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"No new wars. No to #NATO" Newport protest peaks. #Libya#Afghanistan#Ukraine#Egypt#Iraq#Guantanamo#Syriapic.twitter.com/8xlM3uvM1k
— Revo (@arbolioto) September 4, 2014
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Here they all are at fence line #natonewportpic.twitter.com/KYzmWBagtj
— Jen Mills (@ArgusJenMills) September 4, 2014
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LIVE #natonewport protesters reach police cordon Chepstow Road @TheCelticManor@southwalesarguspic.twitter.com/wzEGlvSpxW
— Jon Bevan (@ArgusJBevan) September 4, 2014
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Police are filming protesters at fence line #natonewportpic.twitter.com/QrWRM7vygP
— Jen Mills (@ArgusJenMills) September 4, 2014
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Protesters hammering on the fence line at Celtic Manor #natonewportpic.twitter.com/57UEBq9O13
— Jen Mills (@ArgusJenMills) September 4, 2014
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LIVE #natonewport police cordon Chepstow Road @TheCelticManor@southwalesarguspic.twitter.com/YTF5Vr4gVS
— Jon Bevan (@ArgusJBevan) September 4, 2014
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NATO protests in Wales Newport #nato#ukraine#protest#walespic.twitter.com/pP4NZlORf2
— Aiden James (@furgulcast) September 4, 2014
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"You can ignite reality but you can't ignore the consequences of ignoring reality" NO TO NATO protest in Wales summit pic.twitter.com/Tt3InBpFpO
— Revo (@arbolioto) September 4, 2014
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URGENT: #Ceasefire will start at 11:00GMT Friday if Minsk meeting goes ahead - Poroshenko http://t.co/j6QIHrYN31pic.twitter.com/On9BvHvzot
— RT (@RT_com) September 4, 2014
Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said ahead of the Summit that in order to remain credible NATO must demonstrate it has not lost “the appetite to intervene” when the alliance’s “interests or our obligations” require it to do so.
Philip Hammond met with #Ukraine FM @PavloKlimkin at #NATOSummitUK to offer UK support in face of Russian aggression pic.twitter.com/0eNf1dTSC6
— Foreign Office (FCO) (@foreignoffice) September 4, 2014
Number of protesters at NATO Summit growing.
Photo: Numbers increasing at protest near NATO summit in Newport, Wales; estimated around 500 people - @rupertevelynpic.twitter.com/GUGfBPCOxT
— ♥Its My BirthDay♥ (@Toszaradan) September 4, 2014
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The contents of the goody bags given to the 900+ media at NATO Wales summit. pic.twitter.com/4T0R1MqaYh
— Adrian Masters (@adrianmasters84) September 4, 2014
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This room is currently the centre of the world pic.twitter.com/tDTAnWtleq
— Rob Osborne (@robosborneitv) September 4, 2014
Ukraine’s Poroshenko says he will order a ceasefire at 1100 GMT on Friday for Ukraine forces provided Minsk meeting is confirmed.
The public section of the summit has now ended. The summit will now continue behind closed doors.
David Cameron said now is the “crucial time” to “reinvigorate and refocus the [NATO] alliance.”
NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said Afghanistan has been NATO’s “most challenging mission” and said the alliance had “done what we planned” and “dealt a blow to international terrorism.”
He added assistance was still needed. “NATO stands ready to play its part.”
Summit opens with tribute to servicemen and women before session on Afghanistan. Follow live feed here.
#NoToNato protest begins in #Newport: marching on Celtic Manor where #NATOSummitUK is being held. (Photo: @adavies4) pic.twitter.com/4fggOumedE
— CND (@CNDuk) September 4, 2014
RT correspondent Harry Fear reports on NATO’s internal disunity on how the alliance should respond to the crisis in Ukraine. While Cameron and Obama call for a harder line on Russia, NATO members Germany, Italy and Spain are against measures that could provoke Russia. With protests taking place around the Summit venue, Fear asks whether NATO still holds a relevance in 2014.
Summit talks will formally open at 1pm. Leaders from the organisation's 28 member states are currently meeting one another, greeted by David Cameron and NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.
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Protesters massing on Newport's Chepstow Rd ahead of #NATOSummitUK protest. Live here: http://t.co/QeRqoUL9wipic.twitter.com/pLyfM42gQE
— Wales Online (@WalesOnline) September 4, 2014
Hundreds of protestors have set off from Newport city centre for a three-mile march to the Nato Summit venue.
France’s decision to suspend the delivery of the first of two Mistral helicopter carrier ships to Russia shows Paris’ obedience of American diplomacy, said National Front leader Marine Le Pen. Russia still believes that France will fulfill the contract.
More here
NATO military officer says Russia has several thousand combat troops, hundreds of tanks and armored vehicles inside Ukraine.
Around 100 campaigners have set up a peace camp in Newport. Meanwhile, protesters planned two demonstrations during Thursday, with marches in both Cardiff and Newport.
Taken literally this is actually the dominant banner at the No Nato Newport protest pic.twitter.com/u5g3p59tKT
— Rupert Evelyn (@rupertevelyn) September 4, 2014
World's press cover NATO Summit.
[at #NATOSummitUK] Press capture the arrival of world leaders at the Celtic Manor. pic.twitter.com/KmXkXT3CyD
— NATO (@NATO) September 4, 2014
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Happening Now: #SecDef Hagel meets with Afghan MoD Bismillah Khan Mohammadi @NATOWales. #NATOSummitUKpic.twitter.com/OlsQz3C7O5
— U.S. Dept of Defense (@DeptofDefense) September 4, 2014
Russia's industry minister says Moscow expects France to provide it with two warships, despite the decision in Paris to freeze the deal over the Ukraine crisis.
Reuters reports:
“Russian officials accused France of bowing to US pressure by suspending delivery of the first of two Mistral helicopter carriers on Wednesday and questioned its reliability as a trade partner.
“But Industry Minister Denis Manturov told Interfax news agency: "Russia assumes that the contract will be fulfilled according to the agreements."
“French President Francois Hollande had for months resisted pressure from Washington and other allies to scrap the 1.2 billion euro (£0.96bn) contract to deliver two Mistral helicopter carriers.
“On the eve of a NATO summit, his office said on Wednesday France would hold off on delivery of the first warship. It accused Russia of actions in Ukraine which ran "against the foundations of security in Europe".
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Right now: Protestors are gathering to march on #NATOSummitUK. It's time to say #NoToNato. http://t.co/znDOzTWnGepic.twitter.com/HtzqNCjF5G
— CND (@CNDuk) September 4, 2014
NATO leaders will set up a "spearhead" rapid reaction force, potentially including several thousand troops, that could be sent to a hotspot in as little as two days, according to Reuters.
"NATO's summit meeting in Wales comes at a critical time in the alliance's history when the global security environment is becoming increasingly unpredictable and unstable — as Russia's actions in Ukraine have shown," the organization's press release on the summit read.
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War machines on golf course: #NATOSummitUK kicks off in Wales (VIDEO) http://t.co/tC4ijGrCq5
— RT (@RT_com) September 4, 2014
Russian diplomats say they have been excluded from the summit, even though many of the themes to be discussed directly affect Russia, the Russian newspaper Kommersant reported on Monday.
David Cameron has warned Russia that it faces tightening economic sanctions unless it ends its alleged destabilization of Ukraine.
"The Ukrainians know that they have our support and this sanctions pressure is the right way to tell the Russians that what they are doing is unacceptable," he said.
Protesters are making a three mile march to the Summit venue as part of a peaceful demonstration.
Pippa Bartolotti of the No NATO protest group and leader of the Green Party in Wales, will enter the resort to present peace messages from the protesters, and a bouquet of white flowers symbolizing peace.
The message carried with it says: “Dear NATO, there is more power in peace than in war. Put the little people first.”
Stop the War Coalition's John Rees speaks on stopping NATO and the spread of war in Ukraine. Video by Ady Cousins.
Protesters gathering in Newport
Nato summit - protestors gather at the cenotaph in Newport to march on the venue. pic.twitter.com/9GzNBk3kMv
— steven morris (@stevenmorris20) September 4, 2014
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Very civilised feeling Nato protest at the moment. Cops laying on courtesy buses to carry marchers back to city. pic.twitter.com/uIyKpPNDFj
— steven morris (@stevenmorris20) September 4, 2014
Cardiff streets deserted: In the biggest policing operation of its kind in UK history, at an estimated cost of £50 million, more than 9,000 officers from across the country have been drafted in to police the summit.
Cardiff city centre deserted at mid day. #spooky#NATOSummitUKpic.twitter.com/eNEGf7F9Uz
— Andrew Clarke (@CymruClarke) September 4, 2014
Protests continue outside the Summit venue.
Medea Benjamin US Peace movement @NoNATOnewport#NATO#NATOSummitWales#NATOSummitUK#photography ©nspugh pic.twitter.com/nmlAuZdcDn
— nigel pugh (@nspugh) September 4, 2014
The majority of Brits oppose the UK sending arms to Ukraine, according to YouGov polling figures published this morning:
“Among the general public 39 percent oppose providing large-scale military equipment to the government of Ukraine, while 30 percent are in support. Among those who are following the conflict closely, however, 49 percent are in support and 37 percent oppose.”
After welcoming Barack Obama to Wales, First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “The US President’s visit to Wales to attend the NATO summit in Newport is an historic occasion as it marks the first time that a serving US President has made an official visit to Wales.”
Pleser mawr croesawu @BarackObama i’r #NATOSummitUK . Arlywydd Americanaidd cyfredol cyntaf i ymweld â Chymru pic.twitter.com/xEVrSV2DCD
— Carwyn Jones (@fmwales) September 4, 2014
Protesters have gathered throughout the week to demonstrate against the NATO Summit. More than 20,000 activists from around the world have taken part in demonstrations, including a week-long peace camp and a counter-summit. It has been billed as Wales’ largest protest in a generation.
“Membership of NATO binds European nations – including the UK – to internationally unpopular US foreign policy, a foreign policy increasingly unpopular around the world. NATO membership forces non-nuclear countries to host US nuclear bombs in their countries, near their population,” the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament said in its call to action.
No more NATO no more wars. @PSCupdates@codepink@counterfireorg FreePalestine #Palestine#NoToNato#NATOSummitUKpic.twitter.com/6oJLpAbWxv
— Jon Proctor (@Jon_Proctor92) August 31, 2014
Britain has agreed to sell Latvia some of its second-hand armoured vehicles.
UK defence secretary Michael Fallon said:
“I am delighted that Latvia will soon benefit from these proven and life-saving battlefield capabilities, including ambulances and command centres.
“This is just one way we are supporting our Baltic Nato allies. As a leading member of Nato the UK is keen to restate publicly our support for the collective security of its members and enable our partners to contribute to international peacekeeping and security operations.”
NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen called on Russia to “pull back its troops from Ukrainian borders, stop the flow of weapons and fighters into Ukraine, stop the support for armed militants in Ukraine and engage in a constructive political process”.
Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov urged Kiev and rebels in eastern Ukraine to back peace moves outlined by President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday. “It is precisely at such a moment when a chance has emerged to start solving specific problems between Kiev and the militias that some sections of the Kiev authorities make demands for Ukraine to drop its non-aligned status and start joining NATO. It’s a blatant attempt to derail all efforts aimed at initiating a dialogue on ensuring national reconciliation.”
Downing Street says its top priorities for the NATO Summit are:
1.Crisis in Ukraine and our relationship with Russia
2.Afghanistan’s future
3.Tackling new threats
4.Strengthening support for our Armed Forces
5.Strengthening partnerships
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#NATOSummitUK#Ukraine President Poroshenko meets Obama, Merkel, Cameron, Hollande & Renzi http://t.co/cKJ3DeDMW8pic.twitter.com/6IEtJH8kLh
— RT (@RT_com) September 4, 2014
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'NATO risks provoking a new Cold War. It's time to say No to NATO' @kate4peace2013 http://t.co/wod1JCRVln#NoToNato#NATOSummitUK
— CND (@CNDuk) September 3, 2014
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Discussions between Allies #NATOSummitUK@ediramaal@ditmirbushatipic.twitter.com/AJGOkUTuD5
— Albanian MFA (@AlbanianMFA) September 4, 2014
David Cameron will urge NATO members to increase their financial contributions to the alliance. Wishing to set an example for other members, he said ahead of the summit:
“With the second-largest defense budget in NATO, meeting NATO’s 2 percent of GDP spending target and investing in new capabilities to deal with the emerging threats, we are ensuring Britain's national security, staying at the forefront of the global race and providing leadership within NATO.”
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the NATO secretary general, says the alliance is going to agree a cooperation package with Georgia, as a step towards becoming a member. Georgia has a long-standing ambition to join.
Tomorrow we’ll launch a new coop package to help strengthen #Georgia’s defence, prepare for membership. #NATOsummitUK
— AndersFogh Rasmussen (@AndersFoghR) September 4, 2014
President of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili, thanked Rasmussen:
I thanked @AndersFoghR for his steadfast support for #Georgia on its path to the #North Atlantic integration. #NATOSummitUK@NATOWales
— President Of Georgia (@MargvelashviliG) September 4, 2014
A 50-million-pound security operation is in action with almost 10,000 police officers from forces across the UK drafted in to prevent attacks by terrorists or protesters.
Twelve miles (19km) of security fencing, dubbed the ‘ring of steel’ and likened to the Berlin Wall by some residents, has been erected to guard the summit.
Some 400 people have joined a protest camp to rally against NATO. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament said that it expects Saturday’s protest to be a “major demonstration.”
“Far from promoting security, NATO is a destabilizing global force,” said CND General-Secretary Kate Hudson. “Its war of aggression in Afghanistan has killed tens of thousands and left that country fragmented: the ripples of which are being felt across the region.”
“Through its insatiable expansion into Eastern Europe, capitalizing on the vacuum left following the collapse of the USSR, NATO has contributed to heightening tensions around Russia and Ukraine, and risks provoking a new Cold War.”
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World leaders gather in #Newport as #NATOSummitUK has kicked off #Wales@De_Persdienst@bobvanhuet#Cameron#Obamapic.twitter.com/qmpvnKcr7f
— Michiel Willems (@michielwil) September 4, 2014
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President @BarackObama and I have been discussing the situation in Iraq/Syria and Ukraine at #NATOSummitUKpic.twitter.com/PrfiIStyyO
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) September 4, 2014
NATO expansion, 1990-2014
According to Reuters, Russia has warned NATO not to offer membership to Ukraine. Sergei Lavrov urged Kiev and rebels in eastern Ukraine to back peace moves outlined by President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday.
At talks with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Lavrov said:
“It is precisely at such a moment when a chance has emerged to start solving specific problems between Kiev and the militias that some sections of the Kiev authorities make demands for Ukraine to drop its non-aligned status and start joining NATO.”
“It’s a blatant attempt to derail all efforts aimed at initiating a dialogue on ensuring national reconciliation.”
“Some of our Western partners, including unfortunately the most influential players - the United States - want victory for NATO and a situation where America dictates its will to everyone.”
“This concept of exclusivity, which President (Barack) Obama has repeatedly declared, can lead to no good and has so far led to no good.”
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That principle may already have been eroded. @AliBunkallSKYpic.twitter.com/Wao6ZibKD1
— CND (@CNDuk) September 1, 2014
The summit is expected to focus on the Ukrainian crisis and what members consider a Russian role in it, tensions in Afghanistan, and security challenges across the wider Middle East.
In total, some 9,500 police officers will provide security for the event. Twelve miles of security fencing was erected in Cardiff and Newport to ensure the world leaders' safety during the event, effectively turning the city centers into massive open-air prisons.
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[PHOTOS] #NATOSummitUK in pictures https://t.co/tyAyrnj74c
— NATO (@NATO) September 4, 2014
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PHOTO: #Ukraine President Poroshenko arrives to #NATOSummitUKhttp://t.co/rClZa9HQid (via @PLinNATO) pic.twitter.com/muBKb5wXGj
— RT (@RT_com) September 4, 2014
The Afghan major who was supposed to be holding a flag at the opening ceremony for the NATO summit has gone missing. According to the BBC, he’s applying for asylum.
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President @BarackObama and I have written a joint article in today's Times, which you can read in full here: https://t.co/s90Ra3sfgI
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) September 4, 2014
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A warm welcome to Wales to delegates from Belgium, France, Netherlands and Denmark who all landed this morning #Croeso#NATOSummitWales
— Cardiff Airport (@Cardiff_Airport) September 4, 2014
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the NATO secretary general, said this morning: “We have decided that while we have suspended all practical cooperation with Russia, we will keep this political channel open.”
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UK sells 123 surplus armoured vehicles to Latvia. @NATO partnership strengthened http://t.co/Rcfy0DWna4http://t.co/HR1cYeiA2b#NATOSummitUK
— Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) September 4, 2014
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the NATO secretary general, commented on Islamic State and Iraq earlier:
“I do believe the international community as a whole has an obligation to stop the Islamic State advancing further.
“As regards NATO, we have not received any request for a NATO engagement. I’m sure that if the Iraqi government were to forward a request for NATO assistance, that would be considered seriously by NATO allies.
“Let my remind you, NATO has assisted Iraq in the past. We had a training mission in Iraq until 2011 and if the Iraqi government were to request the resumption of such training activities, I’m sure NATO allies would consider such a request seriously.”
Speaking in Estonia yesterday, Obama did not explicitly point to Ukraine when referring to expanding NATO membership to other nations. However, the underlying message was clear for all to see, as he accused Russia of a “brazen assault” on Ukraine.
"And we must reaffirm the principle that has always guided our alliance, for countries that meet our standards and that can make meaningful contributions to allied security, the door to NATO membership will remain open," the US President said, after meeting the leaders of Estonia,Latvia and Lithuania, who are all NATO members, Reuters reported.
Obama’s comments came after Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatsenyuk said he wanted his country to join the NATO saying,"Russia is a terrorist state, it is an aggressor state and will bear responsibility under international law."
"Concerning NATO, I consider the most correct decision would be to accept Ukraine as a member of NATO," Ukraine’s prime minister added.
Barack Obamaand David Cameronhave now left Newport's Mount Pleasant Primary School, which they have been jointly visiting this morning.
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President @BarackObama and I enjoyed speaking with pupils at Mount Pleasant Primary in Newport about #NATOSummitUKpic.twitter.com/d1ZJAdcUBj
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) September 4, 2014
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The German delegation arrives #NATOSummitUK >> pic.twitter.com/IPSFTRC8Bw
— NATS (@NATSPressOffice) September 4, 2014
The Ministry of Defence signed a £3.5 billion contract for 589 Scout Specialist Vehicles – the largest MoD order for armored vehicles in over 30 years. The move coincides with a British push for increased defense spending at the NATO Summit.
David Cameron hopes the deal will lead by example, as he and President Obama urge European leaders attending the NATO Summit to honor their commitments to allocate a minimum of 2 percent of GDP to defense spending.
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#NATOSummitUK ready for arrival of official delegations @NATO The message as you can see is quite clear. pic.twitter.com/YY0K5mb5FL
— Marcin Wojciechowski (@maw75) September 4, 2014
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So strange that @BarackObama is in Newport #NATOSummitWalespic.twitter.com/5PtFQQF9E0
— LEEWAM⚓️ (@liamgoodyear1) September 4, 2014
During the summit, a display of 22 military aircraft from nine countries will fly over Newport and Cardiff.
The British RAF Red Arrows will be joined on Friday by fighters from the USA, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Poland, Portugal and the Netherlands.
A Wales Office spokesman said:"The display will represent some of the many NATO nations which have been involved in policing the air space across Europe as part of the Alliance's efforts to support and reassure its Eastern member states."
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France cannot deliver Mistral warship to Russia over #Ukrainehttp://t.co/J8ITsk2KAi@harryfear
— RT (@RT_com) September 4, 2014
#NATOsummitUK is a critical summit at a critical time. Today and tomorrow we will forge a stronger #NATO for a more complex, chaotic world
— AndersFogh Rasmussen (@AndersFoghR) September 4, 2014
US Presdient Barack Obama has arrived in a large cavalcade for a pre-summit visit to Mount Pleasant Primary School in Rogerstone. His car had an American and Welsh flag on the front.
LIVE NOW: NATO Sec Gen @AndersFoghR doorstep statement at #NATOSummitUKhttp://t.co/QrJdwbRiishttp://t.co/ucJf3Y13By
— NATO (@NATO) September 4, 2014
NATO’s readiness action plan will be presented at the alliance’s summit.
General Jean-Paul Palomeros, the head of the Allied Command Transformation, said it would involve “several hundred million euros” a year.
As there are "multifaceted threats" in the world, it is important to have "credible, well trained, well equipped, modern forces," Palomeros said.
"The world is moving very quickly. We saw that with the Ukraine crisis and we see it in the south, particularly in Iraq," he added.
According to NATO’s official website, its military budget for 2014 is 1.4 billion euro.
The Readiness Action Plan was outlined by NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen in May, when he said that the 28-member bloc will continue to stand up “for freedom and security in light of the Ukraine crisis.”
“We already have more planes in the air, more ships at sea and more exercises on the ground … We are also considering the longer-term implications of Russia’s actions for what we do in NATO,” he said.
The alliance says it is planning to install military “reception facilities” in Eastern European countries, including Poland and the three Baltic countries: Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia.
NATO is also working towards the creation of an expeditionary force composed of 10,000 troops from seven different member states.
No formal announcement of a 10,000 troops plan has been made. But British Prime Minister David Cameron said he is expected to declare its formation at the NATO summit.
Rasmussen said that the Readiness Action Plan “responds to Russia’s aggressive behavior – but it equips the Alliance to respond to all security challenges, wherever they may arise.”
The NATO summit is described by activists as paving the way to a dangerous confrontation. The alliance's head says they aim to deter Russia by opening new bases in Eastern Europe. Harry Fear reports now on why the organisation's new-found purpose is causing concern.
More than 60 world leaders, including Barack Obama, David Cameron and Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko, convene to discuss their response to Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, the Ukraine crisis and the alliance’s withdrawal from Afghanistan.