Brussels, Thursday, 24 March 2022
Because of Russia's attack on Ukraine, NATO leaders decided on Thursday to extend the mandate of alliance chairman Jens Stoltenberg for another year.
Stoltenberg announced the decision on Twitter, saying, "Honoured by the decision of NATO Heads of State and Government to extend my tenure as Secretary-General until 30 September 2023."
"As we face the most serious security threat in a century," he continued, "we must remain united to keep our Alliance strong and our people secure."
Stoltenberg's term was set to finish on Oct. 1, but NATO leaders opted to extend it due to the changing security situation.
He holds the presidency of NATO since 2014.
The war between Russia and Ukraine, which began on February 24, has sparked international indignation, with the EU, the United States, and the United Kingdom, among others, imposing strong financial penalties on Moscow.
According to UN estimates, at least 977 people have been killed and 1,594 injured in Ukraine thus far, though the total tally is likely much higher.
According to the UN refugee agency, almost 3.6 million Ukrainians have fled to neighbouring nations.
(Research and edit by: The Decision Maker – International Relations editors)
(Picture by: Wikipedia)