Russia 'concerned' over NATO presence in Poland

Russia is concerned about NATO's growing presence in Poland and in other neighboring countries, Russian Ambassador to Ankara, Andrey Korlov, said on Wednesday.

Last week, NATO’s foreign ministers ordered military commanders to devise plans to reinforce NATO defenses among its eastern European members, including Poland.

Korlov outlined the Russian point of view regarding the present disputes with Ukraine in an open forum at Atilim Univeristy in Ankara on Wednesday.

“If [Russia] and NATO have disagreements we must take place around a table and talk with each other,’’ Korlov said. ‘’But NATO suspended all practical cooperation with Russia.”

NATO ministers’ decision on April 1 to suspend all practical cooperation with Russia, including civilian and military, was a direct consequence of what the West calls Russia’s ‘violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.’ 

However, the Russian ambassador said his country had no territorial intensions against Ukraine. It was Crimea's population that wanted to join Russia, Korlov said.
The Crimean referendum to join Russia was ‘free and fair’ and ‘in line with international laws’, Korlov said.
The Russian federation would protect the Crimean population’s culture, language, history and tradition, Korlov said in response to the concerns about Crimean Tatars’ rights in Russia......[aa.com.tr]
9/4/14
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