NATO Vows To Do "Whatever It Takes"

• UKRAINIAN ARMY ON TOP ALERT NEAR PORT CITY OF MARIUPOL, READY TO REPULSE POSSIBLE ATTACK BY REBELS – MILITARY SOURCE – RTRS

“Artillery and tank fire audible on eastern edge of Mariupol. Ukrainians say 4 armored columns advancing towards Shirokina. Hint of panic:” France 24 journalist Robert Parsons says in Twitter post

“Apparently, the rebel tanks have left Novoazovsk several hours ago and are moving towards Mariupol now. Their current position is unclear:” freelance journalist Petr Shelomovskiy says in Twitter post

• *NATO SAYS >3,000 RUSSIA TROOPS W/ TANKS IN UKRAINE: SKY

“We have left no doubt that we will do whatever it takes to defend ourselves,”NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen says.

Rasmussen: “Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has been a wake-up call. It has reminded all of us that our freedom, security and prosperity cannot be taken for granted. Some are trying to redraw dividing lines in Europe with force”

Terrorism, Middle East turmoil, Russia’s aggression, the threats of cyber-warfare confront NATO with a “climate of chaos” on its borders, he says

Rasmussen: “We will adopt a readiness-action plan that will make our forces faster, fitter and more flexible, ready to address any challenges, whenever they come and from wherever they come”

Rasmussen: Readiness plan to center on “a military unit that can be deployed at very short notice if needed. It would be followed by more forces if needed”

NATO will step up cooperation with Ukraine, help build up and advise Ukraine’s military, he says

Rasmussen: “We will adopt a substantial package for Georgia, a package that will bring Georgia closer to NATO, including a defense-capacity initiative, establishing a training center in Georgia, occasionally also exercises in Georgia”

Rasmussen: “I see NATO as an alliance with a global perspective, not as a global policeman. We can’t solve all crises all over the world”

• *UKRAINE TO CALL TRUCE TOMORROW IF TALKS TAKE PLACE: POROSHENKO