Information
Bookshop | Donate Derechos | Equipo Nizkor

13Feb16

---

NATO chief calls for "constructive" dialogue with Russia

---

NATO needs "constructive dialogue" with Russia to ensure long-term stability in Europe, NATO General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg said on Saturday.

The NATO chief addressed the Munich Security Conference on the second day. He accused Russia for destabilizing European security order but reaffirmed that NATO does not seek confrontations nor a cold war.

"NATO will strive for a more constructive, more cooperative relationship with Russia," he said.

"We are in a new reality with Russia...We do need a constructive dialogue," Stoltenberg said.

Stoltenberg said dialogue is needed for a number of reasons, including promoting strategic stability, increasing transparency and reducing risks of incidents and accidents.

Stoltenberg said he met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday, and that both agreed to explore the possibilities of convening a meeting of the NATO-Russia council.

Talking about NATO's missile defense, Stoltenberg reiterated it is purely defensive.

"It is neither designed nor directed against Russia. It does not and cannot undermine Russian strategic deterrence," he said.

[Source: Xinhua, Munich, 13Feb16]

---

Bookshop Donate Radio Nizkor

Russian Affairs

This document has been published on 15Feb16 by the Equipo Nizkor and Derechos Human Rights. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.