NATO calls on Russia to de-escalate tensions in Ukraine

As armed men without any uniform markings surround Ukrainian units in Crimea, tensions boil in the west.<br/> <br />Russia's authorization of using armed forces in Ukraine has sparked international outcry.<br/> <br />The NATO-Ukraine commission held a special meeting in Belgium, where NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen condemned Russia's decision.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) NATO SECRETARY GENERAL ANDERS FOGH RASMUSSEN SAYING:<br/> <br />"We call on Russia to de-escalate tensions. We call upon Russia to honor all its international commitments to withdraw its forces to its bases and to refrain from any interference elsewhere in Ukraine."<br/> <br />Back in Crimea, Russian troops have urged Ukrainian forces to disarm and support the peninsula's pro-Moscow regional authorities.<br/> <br />Russian President Vladimir Putin has defended the approval of troops, with the Kremlin pointing out the threat of violence from ultra-nationalists in Ukraine.<br/> <br />Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says Ru