Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) speaks during the meeting of the NATO-Russia Council in the Palace of the Parliament at the NATO Summit in Bucharest April 4, 2008.
Photo: Reuters
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Russia’s Enlargement Eastwards Is Direct Threat, Putin Said
The appearance of a powerful military bloc close to our borders will be taken in Russia as a direct threat to security, President Vladimir Putin announced during the news conference dedicated to the meeting of NATO-Russia Council.
According to Putin, the relations of Russia and NATO are chilly due to continuous eastwards expansion of the alliance, creation of military infrastructure on the soil of new members of NATO, the crisis around the CFE Treaty, the Kosovo problem and the plans to station components of the U.S. missile-defense shield in Europe.
These clashes don’t work for strengthening predictability and trust in our cooperation. Neither do they advance the transition to a new quality, Russia’s president made clear.
At the same time, Putin emphasized that Russia and NATO managed to progress en route of political cooperation. One of the most vivid examples is Russia’s agreement to assist the UN efforts in Afghanistan. During the sitting of NATO-Russia Council, they agreed to ease procedures for the transit of nonmilitary cargo via Russia.
Putin, who steps down next month as Russia's president, was apparently satisfied with the farewell summit with NATO leaders, calling the dialogue with allies constructive and open. According to Putin, the spirit of cooperation and the desire to look for potential compromise were evident in time of the event. If this spirit survives, the future of NATO-Russia Council will be very bright, Putin said.
www.kommersant.com
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