September 8, 2014 - Ottawa
The Hon. Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today regarding yesterday’s over flight of HMCS Toronto by Russian Forces in the Black Sea:
"The participation of HMCS Toronto in NATO’s reassurance measures in the Black Sea demonstrates Canada's steadfast commitment to peace and security in Eastern and Central Europe.
“While the Russian military aircraft that circled the HMCS Toronto did not in any way pose a threat to the Canadian ship, their actions were unnecessarily provocative and risk escalating tensions even further.
“Canada and its allies are taking part in reassurance measures as a direct result of the Putin regime’s military aggression and invasion of Ukraine.
“Canada will continue to work with our NATO Allies to build military interoperability and partnerships in this part of the world. The message that Canada is sending - along with the rest of our NATO allies - is that Russia's reckless actions must stop."
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Julie Di Mambro
Director of Communications
Minister of National Defence
Tel: 613.996.3100
