“However, NATO is doing its utmost to find a solution to the tensions that have arisen, while preparing for the failure of diplomatic efforts,” he said, adding that the military alliance deplored the international community’s despite its calls, Russia has done nothing to reduce tensions.
He spoke of NATO calling on Russia to ease tensions, withdraw its forces and take steps to bring peace. The military alliance continues to support Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity. It also stands up for the defense of all Allies. At the same time, he said, NATO remained ready for a meaningful dialogue with Russia to address divergent issues and create transparency in military activities.
The Secretary-General said he had convened an extraordinary meeting of the NATO-Russia Council at ambassadorial level to ease tensions over Russian troop reinforcements, which would be held in Brussels on 12 January.
According to information, Russia will be represented at the meeting with ambassadors of NATO member states, Russia, as Russia recently suspended its representation in the North Atlantic Alliance in response to the expulsion of eight members of the Russian mission on October 6 on charges of espionage.
“It is a positive signal that Russia is ready to sit down and commit itself to dialogue,” Stoltenberg said. The council is an opportunity for Russia to prove that it is serious about engaging in dialogue, diplomacy and international commitments, he added.
Responding to a question on the possible accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO, the Secretary General said that enlargement was extremely important for stability, peace, democracy and freedom in Europe. The decision to join is the right of independent nations, which means respecting free, democratic decisions. NATO’s door is open to countries wishing to join, he said.
According to the Financial Times, Finland has recently indicated that it maintains the possibility of joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) despite Russia’s disapproval.
The daily quoted Finnish President Sauli Niinisto as saying that Finland’s room for maneuver and freedom of choice includes adjusting its military capabilities and the possibility of NATO membership. And Prime Minister Sanna Marin said every country has the right to decide on its own security policy. “We have learned from the past and we will not let go of our room for maneuver,” the Finnish prime minister said.
The British daily recalled that the Russian Foreign Ministry said in late December that the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO would have “serious military and political consequences”, a move demanding an “appropriate response” from Russia. Leading politicians in the three Baltic countries – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – believe that Finnish and Swedish NATO membership is key to improving the security situation on Europe’s common border with Russia, the newspaper said.
The military alliance confirmed in a message posted on its official Twitter interface on Friday that every country has the right to decide whether to join a treaty or alliance. “NATO respects the right of every country to choose its own security arrangements,” they added.
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