Brussels, Sep 19 (IANS/EFE): NATO Secretary-General Andres Fogh Rasmussen Friday expressed his respect for Scotland's decision to stay part of the United Kingdom, and his confidence that Britain will continue as a solid ally.
"The United Kingdom is a founding member of NATO and I am confident that the United Kingdom will continue to play a leading role to keep our alliance strong," Rasmussen said in a statement.
"I welcome Prime Minister (David) Cameron's statement that the United Kingdom will go forward as a united country," he added.
Scottish independence was rejected by more than 10 points in the referendum that was conducted Thursday.
The anti-independence vote won 55.42 percent (1.9 million votes) while pro-independence garnered 44.58 percent (1.5 million votes).