Russian Prime Minister: Pulling countries with internal tensions into NATO is a dangerous plot
(Baonghean.vn) - Efforts to draw into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries facing internal political tensions are very dangerous. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev expressed this opinion when answering Serbian newspaper Vecernje novosti, ahead of his official visit to Belgrade.
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| Illustration photo: EPA-EFE |
“It is obvious that any attempt to draw into NATO countries with internal political tensions is very dangerous,” Medvedev stressed when answering the question about what Russia thinks about efforts to draw Bosnia and Herzegovina into the NATO alliance.
“You are talking about Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska, but we can also name other countries. What is happening to Georgia? What is happening to Ukraine? These countries are in a very difficult situation,” he added.
Medvedev noted that Russia has its own interests when it comes to ensuring national security. “We are a large country, a nuclear power, and plans to establish NATO bases in the regions surrounding us cannot be met with a positive attitude from our side. We have always responded to such steps – both politically and militarily,” the Russian Prime Minister said.
“When NATO tries to attract countries with internal conflicts, this is, first of all, contrary to the agreement establishing the North Atlantic Alliance, and secondly, it can lead to very serious consequences,” he continued.
From there, the Russian leader concluded: “That is why NATO member states should think carefully before making such decisions. By the way, that is exactly why the idea of autonomous European security, bypassing NATO, is gaining traction in Europe. Let's wait and see what happens next.”
