National

NATO command posts in eastern Europe a sign Russia should 'back off,' Nicholson

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 05 Feb, 2015 10:40 AM

OTTAWA — Canada's defence minister says Russia should take NATO plans to establish a series of six command centres deep inside eastern Europe as a sign to "back off" in Ukraine.

The tough talk from Rob Nicholson followed a meeting of the military alliance's defence ministers in Brussels, where it was agreed the units would be deployed in Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Romania and Bulgaria.

The command centres, which are intended to smooth the way for the rapid deployment of troops in a crisis in each of those countries, will likely be seen as a provocation by President Vladimir Putin's regime.

Nicholson did not make an immediate commitment to send soldiers to help staff the units, saying instead that the Harper government will examine where it can best help out.

NATO defence ministers also agreed to increase the size of the rapid reaction force, which alliance leaders promised to create last September in response to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and Russia's annexation of Crimea.

The ministers also met with government representatives of the former Soviet republic of Georgia, which is calling for admission to NATO — something Nicholson says Canada wholeheartedly supports.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Canadian resident still detained in Egypt despite release order, family says

TORONTO — An ailing Canadian resident remains under detention in a hospital in Egypt despite an order given more than a week ago by the country's attorney general for his release, his family said Tuesday.

Canadian resident still detained in Egypt despite release order, family says

White House issues veto threat on Keystone pipeline bill

WASHINGTON — The White House says President Barack Obama would veto legislation approving construction of the long-stalled Keystone XL oil pipeline.

White House issues veto threat on Keystone pipeline bill

Feds in court today fighting against long-term expats' right to vote

TORONTO — Ontario's top court begins grappling today with the issue of whether long-term Canadian expats should have the right to vote.

Feds in court today fighting against long-term expats' right to vote

Charges Laid In B.C. Following November Cross-border Drug Bust: RCMP

VANCOUVER — Drug charges have been laid in British Columbia against two men accused of trying to import 29 kilograms of cocaine from the United States.

Charges Laid In B.C. Following November Cross-border Drug Bust: RCMP

Wynne says Harper meeting was positive, but he made no funding commitments

TORONTO — Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne received no specific commitments from Prime Minister Stephen Harper at their first face-to-face meeting in more than a year, but being able to meet in person was a step forward, she said.

Wynne says Harper meeting was positive, but he made no funding commitments

Court upholds pardon revocation for alleged Via Rail terror plotter

TORONTO — There is no evidence of any political interference in a decision to revoke the criminal pardon of a man accused of plotting to attack a passenger train, a Federal Court judge has ruled.