ID :
181673
Thu, 05/12/2011 - 09:38
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/181673
The shortlink copeid
NATO-Russia cooperation based on sober assessment of new realities --
WASHINGTON, May 12 (Itar-Tass) -- Cooperation between NATO and Russia
is based on a "sober assessment" of new political realities and the new
security environment, NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said.
In his speech titled "NATO and Russia: why cooperation counts"
delivered at the University of Chicago on Wednesday, May 11, Rasmussen
said that apart from a sober assessment, NATO and Moscow "strong
determination to translate solemn words into action" and "we have seen
concrete action in a number of areas these last few months".
For example in the fight against terrorism. "Russia had the most
recent experience with terrorism when a suicide bomber blew himself up at
one of Moscow's busiest airports last January. But this is a continuing,
common challenge that concerns all our nations," he said.
NATO and Russia decided last month to step up their cooperation in
preventing terrorism; combating terrorist activities; and managing the
consequences of terrorist acts.
"NATO and Russia are also cooperating more closely on Afghanistan.
Despite its own, difficult history with the country, Russia has realised
that it has a strong interest in a more stable Afghanistan. We have
cooperated for some time on counter-narcotics training in Afghanistan and
Central Asia, to stop heroin from flooding into our countries. Russia has
also allowed transit of equipment through its territory in support of our
Afghanistan mission," the Secretary-General said.
"Just recently we agreed to start providing training, spare parts and
tool kits for Russian-made Afghan helicopters. This will help the Afghans
to provide security for their own country. And that, in turn, will
benefit the security of our nations," he said.
Rasmussen believes that the NATO-Russia partnership must be rooted in
realism and concrete cooperation - but it also needs a clear vision.
He expressed confidence that "this vision is well within our grasp.
And with the support of you and your great nation, we can make it a
reality".
is based on a "sober assessment" of new political realities and the new
security environment, NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said.
In his speech titled "NATO and Russia: why cooperation counts"
delivered at the University of Chicago on Wednesday, May 11, Rasmussen
said that apart from a sober assessment, NATO and Moscow "strong
determination to translate solemn words into action" and "we have seen
concrete action in a number of areas these last few months".
For example in the fight against terrorism. "Russia had the most
recent experience with terrorism when a suicide bomber blew himself up at
one of Moscow's busiest airports last January. But this is a continuing,
common challenge that concerns all our nations," he said.
NATO and Russia decided last month to step up their cooperation in
preventing terrorism; combating terrorist activities; and managing the
consequences of terrorist acts.
"NATO and Russia are also cooperating more closely on Afghanistan.
Despite its own, difficult history with the country, Russia has realised
that it has a strong interest in a more stable Afghanistan. We have
cooperated for some time on counter-narcotics training in Afghanistan and
Central Asia, to stop heroin from flooding into our countries. Russia has
also allowed transit of equipment through its territory in support of our
Afghanistan mission," the Secretary-General said.
"Just recently we agreed to start providing training, spare parts and
tool kits for Russian-made Afghan helicopters. This will help the Afghans
to provide security for their own country. And that, in turn, will
benefit the security of our nations," he said.
Rasmussen believes that the NATO-Russia partnership must be rooted in
realism and concrete cooperation - but it also needs a clear vision.
He expressed confidence that "this vision is well within our grasp.
And with the support of you and your great nation, we can make it a
reality".
