MOSCOW, January 26/ Sputnik Radio. NATO has handed over its proposals to Russia in response to Moscow's initiatives to guarantee security in Europe, Alliance Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said. His words are quoted by RIA Novosti.
He acknowledged the existence of serious disagreements with the Russian Federation, therefore he considers the dialogue of the parties important for the settlement of contradictions.
Stoltenberg called the proposal to resume the work of the parties' representative offices and establish a direct line of communication within the framework of the Russia-NATO Council one of the steps towards "achieving serious progress" in this direction.
The Secretary General of the North Atlantic Alliance added that the response was sent in writing and supported by all thirty members of the Euro-Atlantic alliance.
According to him, they, in particular, expressed concern about the increasing tension on the border with Ukraine.
In the hope of de-escalation, Stoltenberg continued, the bloc intends to continue negotiations with Moscow, but at the same time strengthens its presence, including in the regions of the Black and Baltic Seas.
To help ease tensions, Russia should "withdraw its troops from Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova," where they are "deployed without the consent of these countries," the NATO Secretary General stressed.
Stoltenberg also reaffirmed the alliance's commitment to the principle of "open doors" for new countries.
According to him, one of these principles implies that "any country has the right to choose its own path."
Earlier, Sputnik radio reported what "very positive things" US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken noted in Washington's response to Moscow's security proposals.
