Romanian Foreign Minister expresses concern over Russia’s military presence in NATO’s neighborhood – International panorama
BUCHAREST, January 7. / TASS /. Romanian Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu expressed during a videoconference with the participation of NATO Foreign Ministers on Friday, speaking in connection with the strengthening of the Russian military in the neighborhood of the alliance.
“In his speech, Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu reiterated his concern over the strengthened presence of Russia in the neighborhood of the alliance, and also called for de-escalation,” the statement, which was disseminated by the country’s Foreign Ministry following the conference, reads. The Foreign Minister again presented the position of the Romanian side to strengthen the position of containment and comprehensive containment on the entire eastern flank, especially on the Black Sea. and <...> in dialogue without prejudice to the principles, values and commitments that form the foundation of the alliance. “
Aurescu also spoke in favor of strengthening the security of transatlantic ties, stressing that “NATO has a special responsibility to preserve European security and an international order based on rules.” Romanian also noted the EU as the main pillar of the Western community along with it. The Foreign Minister expressed support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
Recently, in the countries of the West, as well as in Kiev, an assertion has been made about an allegedly possible Russian invasion of Ukraine. Press Secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov called such information empty and baseless escalation of tension. He admits that Russia poses no threat to anyone. At the same time, Peskov did not rule out the likelihood of provocations to justify such statements and warned that attempts to resolve the crisis in southeastern Ukraine by force would have the most serious consequences. According to him, Moscow is making every possible effort to help Kiev resolve the conflict in Donbass, while remaining committed to the Normandy format and the Minsk agreements.
In Geneva on January 10, it is planned to hold negotiations between the Russian Federation and the United States on security guarantees. On January 12, representatives of Moscow will discuss their concerns in the field of security in Europe, as well as Russian projects related to guaranteeing the security of the Council, NATO in Brussels, on January 13 – at the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna. On December 17, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs published the draft US security guarantee treaty and an agreement on security measures for the Russian Federation and NATO member states. They were handed over to US Assistant Secretary of State Karen Donfried on December 15.