Russian military threat over NATO expansion
Russia has threatened to take military and other steps along its borders if the former Soviet states of Ukraine and Georgia join NATO. The armed forces Chief of Staff, General Yuri Baluyevsky, did not specify what those steps might be. He simply said measures would be put in place to "secure Russia's interests".
At the recent NATO meeting in Bucharest, two new NATO members were agreed, but Ukraine and Georgia's candidacy was put on hold.
However Ukraine's President Viktor Yushchenko received firm backing from the United States when George Bush said he wanted to see the two countries join NATO as soon as possible.
Russia's response was swift and firm: President Putin made it very clear that he was opposed to the move. Earlier he had even threatened to target missiles at Ukraine.
http://www.euronews.net/index.php?page=info&article=480163&lng=1
Provost
Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.
Calvin Coolidge, President of the United States 1924-1929
