Europe

NATO to deploy AWACS planes over Poland, Romania

NATO to deploy AWACS planes over Poland, Romania

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has said that it will deploy Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) reconnaissance planes in Poland and Romania to monitor the spiraling crisis in Ukraine.

According to Press TV, a NATO spokesman said the alliance gave the go-ahead on Monday for the reconnaissance flights following a recommendation from US Air Force General Philip Breedlove, who is NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander in Europe.

The NATO commander said the flights, to be mounted from bases in Germany and the UK, “will enhance the alliance’s situational awareness,” adding, “All AWACS reconnaissance flights will take place solely over Alliance territory.”

The official noted, “This decision is an appropriate and responsible action in line with NATO’s decision to intensify our ongoing assessment of the implications of this crisis for Alliance security.”

The deployment of the AWACS comes as the Autonomous Republic of Crimea is preparing for Sunday’s referendum to join Russia.

On Monday, the parliament of Crimea officially invited observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to monitor the territory’s upcoming referendum.

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