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NATO to strengthen defense, deterrence at Warsaw summit: top official

Xinhua, May 30, 2016 Adjust font size:

NATO Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow on Monday discussed key issues on NATO's agenda for the Warsaw Summit in July, saying NATO leaders will take important decisions at the summit on strengthening the Alliance's defense and deterrence.

He made the remarks while addressing the spring session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Tirana, Albania, according to the NATO press release.

"The summit will take place at a critical time for our Alliance, a time when our security and our values are facing significant challenges from the south and the east," Vershbow said.

"I expect leaders at Warsaw to agree on an enhanced forward presence in the east of the Alliance, including multinational, battalion-sized units provided by European and North American allies," he added.

Vershbow stressed NATO would also intensify efforts to "project stability" beyond borders by working with partners to build their ability to defend themselves.

Congratulating Albania on the seventh anniversary of its membership of NATO, Vershbow said that "NATO's door is opening once again with the impending membership of Montenegro."

Earlier this month, NATO foreign ministers signed the accession protocol for Montenegro. Once the parliaments of all 28 allies have ratified the protocol, Montenegro will become the latest member of the Alliance.

The NATO summit in Warsaw will take place on July 8-9, where heads of state and government will chart the course for the Alliance's adaptation to the new security environment. Enditem