OTTAWA—The head of NATO has singled out Canada with praise for agreeing to take a leadership role in the standoff with Russia. Speaking in Brussels on Monday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Canada’s promise to lead a 1,000-strong force in Eastern Europe sends a clear signal that the alliance is strong and united. The Liberal government announced last week that Canada would join Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States in leading a 4,000-strong NATO reassurance force in the Baltics and Poland. The decision came after significant pressure from European and American allies, with U.S. President Barack Obama stating in his address to Parliament on Wednesday that “NATO needs more Canada.” “This is a great contribution to our common security, and a clear signal that our nations will defend one another on both sides of the Atlantic,” Stoltenberg said in a press conference held days before NATO leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, meet at a summit in Warsaw.

Source: thestar July 04, 2016 18:22 UTC