Washington. December, 31st. INTERFAX - The United States could discuss with Russia some specific issues related to Moscow's initiatives to ensure global security, in particular in the area of NATO expansion in the eastern direction, according to Stephen Pifer, an employee of the American Brookings Institution.
"The ban proposed in the draft treaty on any NATO military activity in Ukraine, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus or Central Asia is excessive, but some measures to limit military exercises and activities on a reciprocal basis may be possible," the Associated Press agency quotes an expert who was the US ambassador to Ukraine during the administration of President Bill Clinton.
"Key NATO members have already made it clear that they have no desire to expand the alliance in the near future," the AP notes.
At the same time, a representative of the American administration, commenting to journalists on the results of a telephone conversation between US Presidents Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin, confirmed that the United States has not changed its opinion that those countries that want it, and not third parties, should decide on joining NATO.
"Our position is absolutely clear. Decisions should be made by sovereign countries themselves, in consultation with the alliance, and not by someone else," he said.
