NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that NATO wants to avoid deterioration of relations with Russia. However, his statement sounds a little peculiar, taking into account the increase of its military presence in the Baltic Sea region.
During
his two-day visit to Stockholm, Stoltenberg said that the military
alliance wants to avoid further confrontation with Russia and seeks
cooperation.
The statement looks a little bit ridiculous given the heavy military
presence of NATO forces in the Baltic States. However, Stoltenberg does
not seem confused by this fact and does not see any contradiction
between political dialogue and demonstration of power.
"We are committed to cooperation and dialogue
with Russia, but that cooperation should be based on the transparency
of military activities to avoid accidents and dangerous situations;
there is no contradiction between a strong defense and political
dialogue," Stoltenberg told the newspaper Svenska Dagbladet.
According to Stoltenberg, NATO increased its presence in the Baltic
region as a response to Russia's alleged provocative activities.
"This is a reaction to what we see on the part
of Russia. But we want to avoid escalation, a new Cold War,
confrontation. Therefore, we always send the message to Russia that we
want cooperation, but this cooperation must be based on respect,"
Stoltenberg said.
NATO has been ramping up its operations in the Baltic States as well
as in Eastern Europe since the Ukraine crisis began. According
to various reports, it is considering different ways of increasing its
military presence in Eastern Europe to put further pressure on Russia.
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