Russia warily eyes NATO plans

MOSCOW, April 11 (UPI) -- Russia says it would have to strengthen border security if Georgia and Ukraine join NATO.

NATO members decided at its summit meeting to postpone offering the two countries the chance to join the NATO Membership Action Plan, a key step toward full membership, but they promised to review the decision in December.

"Russia will undoubtedly take measures to ensure its security near the state border. These will be both military and other measures," said Gen. Yury Baluyevsky, chief of the country's general staff, Novosti reported.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier, "The appearance on our borders of a powerful military bloc... will be considered by Russia as a direct threat to our country's security."