NATO voices concern over deployment of Russian fleet for military op. in Syria

BRUSSELS, Oct 20 (KUNA) -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed concern Thursday that Russia is sending a naval fleet to Syria.
"This Russian carrier group may be used to contribute to military operation over Syria and be used to increase attacks on Aleppo," Stoltenberg said in a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.
NATO Cheif added that this Russian action would lead to increase in human suffering in Syria.
"NATO navies in normal way will monitor the Russian ships as they approach the Mediterranean," said the NATO chief. According to media reports, the Russian fleet which is on its way to the Mediterranean includes an aircraft carrier a battle cruiser and two destroyers. Stoltenberg said he also discussed with Poroschenko the very serious situation in Syria. "I welcome the temporary ceasefire in Aleppo but this does not go nearly far enough. We need a real solution on the ground in Aleppo. Not a short-lived ceasefire," he said. "And therefore I join the international community in its calls on Russia to help end the bloodshed in Aleppo, and to play a constructive role in finding a negotiated solution to the crisis," added Stoltenberg.
He stressed that NATO's support for Ukraine is unwavering.
"We will continue to support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, and we do not, and we will not, recognize Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea," he stressed. (end) nk.mb