Sec-Gen Stoltenberg: we can't compromise on NATO's right to protect, defend all allies
Stoltenberg, following the meeting with Georgian PM Irakli Garibashvili on December 15, stated that NATO remains vigilant in avoiding escalation in the region, noting that ‘any future Russian aggression would come at a high price and have serious political and economic consequences for Russia.’ Photo: Jens Stoltenberg/Twitter.
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NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has stated that NATO cannot compromise on its right to protect and defend all allies in response to Moscow’s recent demand that the alliance should provide security guarantees, the German Press Agency DPA international reports.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the annual press conference on December 23 that the west has to give security guarantees to Russia ‘immediately.’
The Russian Foreign Ministry put forward two proposals on ‘security guarantees’ between Russia, the US and NATO, which include restrictions on troop, ship, and aircraft deployments for both NATO and Russia, as well limits to the deployment of intermediate and short-range missiles abroad.
Stoltenberg told DPA that NATO ‘cannot compromise on the core principle of every nation's right to choose its path,’ adding that this also concerns ‘respecting the sovereignty of smaller nations’ as well.
He also noted that ‘NATO has never made the promise to not enlarge,’ saying that ‘it is in the founding treaty of our organisation that any European country can become a member of the alliance.’
Russia recently released a statement demanding NATO member states rescind the 2008 Bucharest Summit declaration supporting Georgia and Ukraine's bid to become members of the alliance.
Stoltenberg, following the meeting with Georgian PM Irakli Garibashvili on December 15, stated that NATO remains vigilant in avoiding escalation in the region, noting that ‘any future Russian aggression would come at a high price and have serious political and economic consequences for Russia.’
The Georgian Foreign Ministry stated that what Russia says regarding the Bucharest summit decision is ‘unacceptable,’ adding that it is the ‘sovereign right of Georgia’ to join the alliance which is based on the wish of the majority of the Georgian population.
US Department of State Spokesperson Ned Price has stated that the US is ready to engage diplomatically with Russia through multiple channels including the NATO-Russia Council, however, noted that there will be no talks with Russia on European security without ‘our European allies and partners.’
Konstantin Gavrilov, the head of the Russian Delegation to the Negotiations on Military Security and Arms Control in Vienna, stated earlier today that ‘under no circumstances will Moscow allow the deployment of NATO infrastructure in Georgia and Ukraine.’
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg held a meeting earlier today wherein a ‘clear vision of Georgia’s eventual integration to NATO’ was discussed. Garibashvili stated that time has come to advance the country’s integration and ‘make concrete political decisions.’
Russia has called on NATO member states to rescind the 2008 Bucharest Summit declaration supporting Georgia and Ukraine's bid to become members of the alliance. The statement, issued by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, demanded the security guarantees from the United States and its allies.
Former Secretary-General of NATO Anders Fogh Rasmussen says that it is time to set out an action plan for Georgia and Ukraine to become NATO member countries.
US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman discussed ways to enhance peace and security in Europe with Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani during a phone conversation yesterday, the US State Department spokesperson’s office reports.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said that the alliance will 'continue to provide support' to Georgia and Ukraine on their way towards Euro-Atlantic integration.
US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman has emphasised the US’ ‘commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and the freedom of sovereign nations to choose their own alliances’ during a meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov on January 9 in Geneva, the US State Department spokesperson’s office reports.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said yesterday in an interview with CNN that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s objective of ‘re-exert[ing] a sphere of influence over countries that previously were part of the Soviet Union is unacceptable.'
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said that NATO allies have called on Russia to withdraw forces from Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova at a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council held earlier today.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday that Russia should withdraw its forces from Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova, noting “they are deployed without these countries’ consent.” He underscored that NATO respects Georgia’s and Ukraine’s decision to apply for membership of the alliance, adding it is the reason why NATO “has engaged in a very strong and close partnership with both these countries.”
The Georgian Government’s delegation to this week’s NATO Summit expects “assessment and recognition” of “all the progress” made by the country over the years, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said on Monday.
Representatives of Georgian civil society organisations and academia have highlighted the need for “new security guarantees” for the country in an open letter to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and leaders of alliance member states on Monday.