MOSCOW. Feb 20 (Interfax) - Russia should keep bolstering the might of its military whilst maintaining a dialogue with NATO in order to prevent an escalation of tensions and armed confrontation, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said.
"We should tirelessly strengthen the might of the Russian Armed Forces. This seems to be the only language our colleagues understand," Ryabkov told the journal International Affairs in an interview.
"At the same time, we should maintain a deep and serious dialogue on the subject, without any cliches or ideology. We should not be silent: we should talk," he said.
As to whether the political dialogue with NATO should address reparations and compensations to victims of the alliance's aggression, Ryabkov said, "We should not discuss reparations, especially considering that Russia cannot speak on anyone's behalf in such matters. Instead, we should discuss what needs to be done to prevent further growth of tensions and to avoid the escalation of a military standoff between Russia and NATO," he said.
"This is a serious issue which concerns everyone, not just those referred to as 'frontline [states]' by NATO. Do you understand what kind of words the alliance is using now?" Ryabkov said.