英语文摘:NATO deals with security challenges in Ukraine, Syria

ISTANBUL, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- NATO top commanders meet here Friday to discuss security challenges in Ukraine and Syria as tension is mounting between the rivals over the crisis.

A welcome ceremony was held in the Dolmabahce Palace, Istanbul, as Turkish Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar and NATO Military Committee Chairman Gen. Petr Pavel marched and saluted soldiers.

NATO's highest military authority, the Military Committee, started the three-day meeting to review security challenges in Europe and the Middle East, as well as ongoing operations in Afghanistan.

The meeting will focus on the implementation and progress of the readiness action plan, regional security and its challenges, NATO's current mission in Afghanistan, Resolute Support, and the Western Balkans.

The meeting comes at a time when tension between NATO and Russia over the Ukrainian crisis is mounting with an alliance decision to increase its deterrence in the Black Sea, Baltic Sea and Eastern Europe.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday that it is sending humanitarian assistance, military supplies and advisers to Syria and will send additional aid if asked, thus raising U.S. concerns it will escalate the civil war and send even more migrants to Europe.

Russia's move comes after Bulgaria and Ukraine this week closed their airspace to Russian flights to Syria to stop any Russian military buildup there.

The top commanders of the alliance will also talk about the growing concern regarding the threat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) poses to global peace and security, while also discussing the unrest in Syria.

The chiefs of defense will further discuss additional guidance and direction with regard to NATO's force posture, future adaption and transformation requirements.

Lastly, they will elect the next director-general of the International Military Staff.