NATO Chief outlines priorities in NATO-Russia relations

Despite some improvement in relations between Washington D.C. and Moscow, cooperation between NATO and Russia remains troubled. Yet cooperation on a range of important, common security challenges – from stability in Afghanistan to counter-terrorism to non-proliferation – is essential. In his first major foreign policy address, NATO Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, outlined the three pillars of a new strategic concept with Russia:
1. Reinforce mutual cooperation on current shared security threats, including terrorism, nuclear proliferation, Afghanistan, and missile defense.
2. Revitalize the NATO-Russia Council as an open and transparent forum for peace and stability in Europe.
3. Carryout a joint review of new 21st century security challenges facing both nations.
In his foreign policy address, the NATO Secretary General said that the problems in NATO-Russia relations began after last year war with Georgia and Russia`s unilateral recognition of Georgia`s breakaway regions.
`Last year, following the war with Georgia, when Russia unilaterally recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia, we reached that very point, our relations went into a freeze, because the foundations of these relationships, we are not strong enough` – Rasmussen said-`We have real disagreements with Russia, there is no reason to hide this; however, I think we should focus, on what unites us instead of what divides us, that`s my first point, secondly I will remind you that we have taken a very clear decision at the NATO summit in Bucharest in 2008, according to which Georgia and Ukraine will become the members of the NATO,` NATO Secretary General said.
Prior to Anders Fogh Rasmussen`s speech Dmitry Rogozin talked about Georgia as well. Russia`s representative to NATO said the US missile defense shield will be located in Georgia.
`The radar will be installed in Georgia, because it can be done only on a mountainous site. In total, the US has refused stationary location of the radars and missiles and have chosen a more flexible form. The Americans think, that the NATO faces danger from Iran, that`s why the dislocation is being moved to the south. On the other hand, the systems will be based on warships. It is good, that they have refused dogmatic views. Another guarantee that the system will cause no danger to any European country is to include all the countries in the anti-aircraft system. Russia, as well as the US has already gained a chance for this`, Dmitry Rogozin said.