The troops would be
backed by air, sea and special forces, he said, with a command and
control center and extra
resources in eastern Europe.
"This decision sends a clear message: NATO protects all allies at all times," he said.
"And it sends a clear
message to any potential aggressor: Should you even think of attacking
one ally, you will be facing the whole alliance."
The new readiness action plan is intended to help NATO respond to Russian aggression and other international conflicts.
Rasmussen also said NATO stands ready to help Iraq in its fight against Islamist extremists if it asks for assistance.
Responses to threats
posed by Russia's interference in Ukraine and the rise of ISIS in Syria
and Iraq were at the heart of discussions Thursday on the first day of
the trans-Atlantic alliance's summit meeting in Wales.
Russia's annexation of
Crimea and involvement in the unrest in eastern Ukraine have alarmed
NATO members in the region, like Poland and the Baltic states.
A rapid-reaction force
would give those nations more security amid Moscow's deteriorating
relationship with the West. U.S. officials have stressed that any force
would be defensive in posture and not a provocation to Russia.
Source:CNN
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