MOSCOW. Feb 26 (Interfax) - The North Atlantic Alliance has stopped practical cooperation with Russia in the military field; it is not prepared for holding a constructive dialogue at the NATO-Russia Council (NRC) but instead is enhancing the eastern flank to deter a non-existent threat, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told the newspaper Izvestia.
"We are not avoiding a dialogue. And there is one impediment for their part: NATO has been enhancing the eastern flank to deter a non-existent threat while cooperation in spheres of common interest has stopped," Grushko said.
"The alliance's administration keeps talking about the need for de-escalation, prevention of dangerous military incidents, and erroneous interpretation of the other side's intentions but does nothing to restore a normal relationship in the military field," he said.
"Obviously, not a single organization, even NATO which likes to call itself strong, can ensure one's security. You cannot isolate oneself from the world and build islands of security. Equal cooperation with every world actor, including Russia, is the only way to improve the situation and generate ways of interaction, which can really deal with all multiple threats," Grushko said.
In turn, the NATO press service told Izvestia that the nature of NATO-Russia relations and the willingness to be partners will depend on a clear and constructive change in Russia's conduct demonstrating compliance with the international law and Russia's international obligations and duties.