Some positive signs of a possible political and diplomatic resolution to the Ukrainian crisis are beginning to emerge, Foreign Minister János Martonyi declared in Brussels where he attended a two-day meeting of NATO foreign ministers.

Mr Martonyi said that although NATO had suspended practical cooperation with Russia because of Russian actions in Ukraine, political dialogue was ongoing. Developments are unpredictable, however, and the Russian side should make clear that its troops will not cross either into the east or the south of Ukraine, he added.

At their meeting, representatives of NATO member states decided to step up their military presence "along the borders, in the Baltic States, in Poland, and perhaps in other countries", the Hungarian Foreign Minister stressed. This does not amount to military intervention. NATO is not a key player in efforts to find a political solution for the Ukraine conflict, he added.

Mr Martonyi said that NATO's temporary presence in certain countries was an option based on bilateral agreements rather than NATO's own decision. "Each NATO country can decide what [level of] presence it wants, and who should ensure that assistance," Minister Martonyi said.

The Hungarian Foreign Minister said that cooperation with NATO partners in Eastern Europe, as well as countries aspiring to become members of the organisation, was very important amid the current situation. He added, however, that NATO's principle of collective defence applies exclusively to its member states.

Developments in Ukraine have highlighted the importance of territorial defence, János Martonyi pointed out, adding that it is a basic norm of international law that "no territory may be occupied by force".

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs)