Estonia calls for permanent NATO force
Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
Publication Date | 12 April 2015 |
Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Estonia calls for permanent NATO force, 12 April 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5565b9ed34.html [accessed 22 May 2023] |
Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
April 12, 2015
Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves
Estonia's President Toomas Hendrik Ilves has called for a permanent NATO force to be stationed in his country.
Ilves told Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper that Estonia was "part of a group of countries who are mentioned in a threatening way" by Russia.
A U.S. infantry company numbering 150 soldiers is currently NATO's only presence in Estonia, but it is not permanent.
Ilves said 150 soldiers "is not a lot, so we do think that further stationing of troops at a higher number is only reasonable."
Russian military maneuvers on Estonia's border have triggered concern in Europe that Moscow could attempt to destabilize its bordering countries.
NATO has pledged a 5,000-strong task force and command centers in six former Soviet republics, including one in Estonia.
Estonia joined NATO in 2004.
Based on reporting by AFP and BBC
Link to original story on RFE/RL website