Interfax: NATO fears Russia’s stronger influence in Eurasia

BRUSSELS. May 13 (Interfax) – NATO Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow has accused Russia of attempts to establish a sphere of influence in Eurasia and to push its will on countries of the region.

“My message today is that, if we are to enjoy a peaceful and prosperous European future, all countries must have the right to choose their own political and security destinies, including the nature of their relationship with NATO and other organizations and countries,” the U.S. diplomat said in a speech at the Moldova State University released by the NATO press service on Tuesday.

President Vladimir Putin “has chosen to establish a sphere of influence in Eurasia. And by imposing his choice, he will take away the right of other countries and other peoples to make their own choice,” Vershbow said.

He recalled December 1991 when Russian President Boris Yeltsin expressed the readiness to join NATO in his letter to the then secretary general of the North Atlantic Alliance.

“Now, Russian revisionism risks heating up these cold, protracted conflicts,” Vershbow said.

“NATO enlargement will continue because we are an open alliance and several of our partners want to join,” he added.

“We in NATO understand and respect that Moldova is a neutral country, even if we also know that ‘neutral’ does not mean ‘uninterested’. So we are keen to deepen our partnership, and to help you to continue on your path towards the level of European and Euro-Atlantic integration that you find most appropriate for your country,” Vershbow continued.

He expressed the interest of NATO in stepping up defense and other cooperation with Moldova and assisting in the reinforcement of Moldova’s defense institutes.

“And I do want to congratulate you on your choice to sign an Association Agreement with the European Union, as well as achieving a visa-free regime with the EU,” the NATO deputy secretary general said in conclusion.