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IN PHOTO: German Bundeswehr armed forces soldiers with the 371st armoured infantry battalion pose for photographers with their equipment next to Marder armoured infantry vehicles during a media day at the barracks in Marienberg March 10, 2015. The 371st armoured infantry battalion is part of the NATO Response Force (NRF) and Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF). REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch

The NATO will be doubling the manpower of its Response Force, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced. From 13,000, the response force will be expanded to 30,000 to allow the military alliance to better address the “dramatically changed security environment in Europe."

Stoltenberg added that a new quick reaction Spearhead Force will also be created. This will involve 5,000 men who need to be able to move within as little as 48 hours.

In a press joint with Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Rui Machete on Monday, Stoltenberg said Europe is being threatened from the east and south sides. "To the East, Russia has broken international rules through its aggressive actions against Ukraine, while to the south, extremism and violence is spreading in the Middle East and North Africa."

Stoltenberg said that NATO has received a request from Iraq asking advice on defence institution building. He noted this is being assessed by the partners just to ensure the stability of its southern neighbourhood. He added that NATO is likewise ready to support Libya and share the same advice. “If our neighbours are more stable, we are more secure,” Stoltenberg said.

The recent loss of life in the Mediterranean Sea, Stoltenberg said, what was prompted the military alliance to discuss the instability lurking at Europe’s doorsteps. "There is no simple solution posed by migration,” he said. But it is a tragic consequence of the instability in the region, he noted. “It is a huge international challenge which demands a comprehensive response.”

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