Stoltenberg: NATO will hold major nuclear exercise next week

(12 Oct 2023) RESTRICTIONS SUMMARY: ASSOCIATED PRESS Brussels - 12 October 2023 1. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg walking to lectern 2. SOUNDBITE (English) Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary-General: “Allies strongly condemned Hamas’ indefensible attacks on civilians and called for the immediate release of all hostages.” 3. Wide of camera and media 4. SOUNDBITE (English) Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary-General: “Israel has the right to defend itself and the conflict, as the conflict unfolds, the protection of civilians is essential. No nation or organization hostile to Israel should seek to take advantage of the situation or to escalate the conflict.” 5. Reverse of journalist 6. SOUNDBITE (English) Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary-General: “Russia’s war on Ukraine is a reminder of the important role NATO’s nuclear weapons play in deterring aggression. Next week, NATO will hold its annual nuclear exercise ‘Steadfast Noon.’ This is routine training event that happens every October. This year the training will take place over Italy, Croatia and the Mediterranean Sea. Our exercise will help to ensure the credibility, effectiveness and security of our nuclear deterrence, and it sends a clear message that NATO will protect and defend all allies.” 7. Close-up of camera 8. SOUNDBITE (English) Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary-General, on the ratification of Sweden’s accession: “I welcome that the defense minister of Turkey stated clearly that Turkey stands by the agreement in Vilnius, including the need to ensure ratification. So this will continue to be my message. I have spoken, I spoke recently with President Erdogan, conveyed the same message, and I will continue to convey that message on behalf of all those allies who are calling for a speedy ratification, to ensure that that happens as soon as possible.” 9. Wide of media (English) Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary-General: “Allies expressed strong solidarity with Estonia and Finland as they work to establish defense. NATO and allies are sharing information to support that effort. If this is proven to be a deliberate attack on critical infrastructure, it will be a serious incident and it would be met by a united and determined response.” 11. Wide of media 12. SOUNDBITE (English) Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary-General: “There is a tense and difficult situation. We follow that very carefully. We have increased our presence, especially in the north. And the main message is that both Pristina and Belgrade need to refrain from actions that can further escalate the situation or increase tensions and refrain from inflammatory rhetoric.” 13. Close-up of camera 14. Wide of Stoltenberg leaving press conference STORYLINE: NATO will hold a major nuclear exercise next week, the alliance’s chief said Thursday, in an announcement that came after Russia warned it would pull out of a global nuclear test ban agreement. NATO’s “Steadfast Noon” exercise is held annually and runs for about a week. It involves fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear warheads but does not involve any live bombs. Conventional jets and surveillance and refueling aircraft also routinely take part. “This is a routine training event that happens every October,” Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said. “This year the training will take place over Italy, Croatia and the Mediterranean Sea.” He said the exercise will help ensure the “credibility, effectiveness and security of our nuclear deterrent, and it sends a clear message that NATO will protect and defend all allies.“ AP Video shot by Mark Carlson Find out more about AP Archive: Twitter: Facebook: ​​ Instagram: You can license this story through AP Archive: