World

October 5, 2012

NATO extends Rasmussen’s term as secretary general

Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

The North Atlantic Council has extended Anders Fogh Rasmussen’s four-year term as NATO secretary general for another year, until July 31, 2014, the council announced Oct. 3.

Allies will support Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen in his dedicated work to carry forward NATO’s tasks, missions and objectives, based on consensual allied decisions, a written statement from the council read.

In a short briefing from NATO headquarters in Brussels this morning, Rasmussen said he is honored by the trust and support of allied governments.

ìMy first years in office presented many challenges, Rasmussen said. ìWe developed and agreed to a new strategic concept for the alliance. We took crucial decisions to develop a NATO missile defense system to protect our people and territory against a grave and growing threat.

NATO also has reached out to Russia and the alliance’s partners around the world, and successfully enforced the historic resolution of the U.N. Security Council to protect civilians in Libya, he said.

But we still face other pressing tasks: completing the process of transition in Afghanistan within the timeline we have set, strengthening our unique network of partners and keeping our Alliance fit for the future,î the secretary general added.

I have dedicated myself to these issues since I took office,î Rasmussen said. I am privileged to have had the chance to lead this Alliance through these testing times.




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