Interfax: Ex-Russian military representative to NATO sees no prerequisites to improve relations between Russia, alliance

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MOSCOW. June 26 (Interfax) – The resumption of contacts between Russia and the North Atlantic Alliance is premature, former Russian chief military representative to NATO, State Duma deputy Viktor Zavarzin said.

“Today, the issue of resuming the relationship with NATO is premature, let they behave correctly, let they correctly understand Russia’s role in international security, European security,” Zavarzin said at a meeting of one of the discussion floors at the United Russia party congress.

The main claim to NATO is that the alliance is advancing towards Russia’s border in violation of the previously reached agreements, he said.

“The main claim is not that we are moving towards them, but they are moving towards us. How can we cooperate with them? They are breaching all the norms. The basic act, which was signed in Paris in 1997, clearly holds that in the event of new NATO members joining it [NATO] the alliance assumes the duty not to deploy additional forces and means in these countries. And you see what is happening in the Baltic countries,” he said.

When Russia was actively cooperating with NATO, the alliance did not take into account Russia’s interests, the lawmaker also said. “When we were working, NATO was listening to us, but did not hear, and we disagree on these conditions. We are not to blame that this relationship has been frozen and stopped,” Zavarzin said.

Besides, a rise in the number of NATO members will result in the ruining of this organization, he said.

“This is a complex structure. I am sure that the more members will join them, the quicker they will break up,” Zavarzin said.

 

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