GERMANY: Russia tells NATO bringing Ukraine and Georgia closer to the alliance might have "consequences"
Record ID:
1533630
GERMANY: Russia tells NATO bringing Ukraine and Georgia closer to the alliance might have "consequences"
- Title: GERMANY: Russia tells NATO bringing Ukraine and Georgia closer to the alliance might have "consequences"
- Date: 11th February 2008
- Summary: (EU) MUNICH, GERMANY (FEBRUARY 10, 2008) (REUTERS) RUSSIAN FIRST DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER SERGEI IVANOV ARRIVING FOR NEWS CONFERENCE MUNICH SECURITY CONFERENCE SIGN READING "PEACE THROUGH DIALOGUE" IVANOV ON STAGE JOURNALISTS LISTENING
- Embargoed: 26th February 2008 19:04
- Keywords:
- Location: Germany
- Country: Germany
- Topics: International Relations
- Reuters ID: LVAD83WVW690EKQ62Y5LOBEKHNV8
- Aspect Ratio: 4:3
- Story Text: Russia tells NATO bringing Ukraine and Georgia closer to the alliance might have "consequences".
Russia warned NATO on Sunday (February 10) about bringing Ukraine and Georgia closer to the alliance, saying such a move might have "consequences".
Referring to the possibility that NATO partners might decide measures for a closer partnership with the two countries at a summit in April, Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov told a news conference:
"Russia does not have a veto on that. But there might be consequences."
Ivanov, who was speaking at an international security conference in the German city of Munich that was attended by many NATO members, did not give further details.
Russia has said NATO membership of Georgia and Ukraine would affect its security. Long opposed to the alliance's eastward expansion, it has said Ukranian NATO membership would force it to take "appropriate measures".
"What possible Ukraine and Georgia integration with NATO would help to NATO members in security?," Ivanov asked, adding "I can't see anything extra, anything plausible here."
"Is Russia going to attack Ukraine or Georgia? Of course not."
Regarding the United States missile shield planned in Poland and the Czech Republic, Ivanov said, "I can assure you that today, Iran has no missiles capable of reaching the territory of Poland and not even the territory of western Russia," referring to a U.S. argument that the measures were necessary because of Iran's threat. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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