NATO Sec-Gen Stoltenberg: Russia should withdraw its forces from Georgia
Stoltenberg noted NATO continues “to coordinate closely” with Ukraine and other partners of alliance, including Georgia, emphasising “NATO is a defensive alliance, and we do not seek confrontation.” Photo: nato.int.
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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.”
Our focus now is on the reforms, is to help to modernise and strengthen the defence and security institutions, and to meet NATO standards,” Stoltenberg added.
We have now conveyed our proposals to #Russia. #NATO firmly believes that tensions & disagreements must be resolved through dialogue & diplomacy, not through force or the threat of force. https://t.co/4dQcLYEsK6
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) January 26, 2022
Stoltenberg said NATO passed on its written proposals to Russia along with the US in response to Russia’s proposed agreements.
The Russian Foreign Ministry put forward two proposals on ‘security guarantees’ between Russia, the US and NATO on December 17, 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 while on December 10 Russia released a statement demanding NATO member states rescind the 2008 Bucharest Summit declaration supporting Georgia and Ukraine's goal of becoming members of the alliance.
The NATO top official indicated three main areas where NATO sees “room for progress,” which are NATO-Russia relations, European security and risk reduction, transparency, and arms control.
History has shown that engagement on these issues can provide real security for everyone. So we need practical measures that will make a real difference,” Stoltenberg said.
In response to Russia’s proposal, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated yesterday the US “will uphold the principle of NATO’s open door.”
.@SecBlinken: Today, Ambassador Sullivan delivered our written response in Moscow. All told, it sets out a serious diplomatic path forward, should Russia choose it. pic.twitter.com/4pRMRLw1Ql
— Department of State (@StateDept) January 26, 2022
Stoltenberg noted NATO continues “to coordinate closely” with Ukraine and other partners of alliance, including Georgia, emphasising “NATO is a defensive alliance, and we do not seek confrontation.”
We remain fully committed to our founding treaty, and our collective defence pledge enshrined in Article 5. We will take all necessary measures to defend and protect all Allies,” said Stoltenberg.
Stoltenberg also called on Russia to de-escalate the situation with Ukraine, noting “Russia’s military build-up with more than 100,000 troops continues” at Ukraine’s border.