BRUSSELS, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- NATO commented Friday after the results of the Scottish referendum for independence were announced.

Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen issued a statement, wishing the United Kingdom well as it moves forward and expressed confidence the founding NATO member would continue in its "leading role."

"I welcome Prime Minister Cameron's statement that the United Kingdom will go forward as a united country.

"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."

The referendum for independence was held Thursday, with 55 percent of reporting districts in favor of unity.

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