Former Norwegian prime minister already at work to build new relations with Russia
by Emiliano Biaggio
Jens Stoltenberg is officially the new NATO secretary general. He took service yesterday, starting acting as new Alliance chief and closing Anders Fogh Rasmussen's era. Former prime minister of Norway, the 55 years old new chief started his mandate sending a message to Russia, calling Moscow for responsibility because of the «fragile» cease-fire in Ukraine. «The cease-fire in Ukraine offers an opportunity, but Russia maintains its ability to destabilize Ukraine, and Russia remains in breach of international law». For such a reason, he added, «we need to see clear changes in Russia's action, a change which demonstrates compliance with international law and with Russia's international obligations and responsibilities». In order to de-escalate the situation Stoltenberg preferred to take the diplomatic path. «My main message has been, today and for many years, that there is no contradiction between aspiring to a constructive relationship with Russia and, at the same time, being in favour of a strong NATO». In Stoltenberg's vision building relations with Moscow is still possible, despite the Ukrainian crisis. Compared to what Rasmussen has repeated until a couple of days ago, Stoltenberg marked a clear change in NATO attitude over Russia. Rasmussen has not hesitated to openly criticize the country, while on the contrary his successor chose a more cautious approach. Will it be enough to re-build relationship with Putin's state? Stoltenberg's NATO new course has begun.
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| Jens Stoltenberg |
Jens Stoltenberg is officially the new NATO secretary general. He took service yesterday, starting acting as new Alliance chief and closing Anders Fogh Rasmussen's era. Former prime minister of Norway, the 55 years old new chief started his mandate sending a message to Russia, calling Moscow for responsibility because of the «fragile» cease-fire in Ukraine. «The cease-fire in Ukraine offers an opportunity, but Russia maintains its ability to destabilize Ukraine, and Russia remains in breach of international law». For such a reason, he added, «we need to see clear changes in Russia's action, a change which demonstrates compliance with international law and with Russia's international obligations and responsibilities». In order to de-escalate the situation Stoltenberg preferred to take the diplomatic path. «My main message has been, today and for many years, that there is no contradiction between aspiring to a constructive relationship with Russia and, at the same time, being in favour of a strong NATO». In Stoltenberg's vision building relations with Moscow is still possible, despite the Ukrainian crisis. Compared to what Rasmussen has repeated until a couple of days ago, Stoltenberg marked a clear change in NATO attitude over Russia. Rasmussen has not hesitated to openly criticize the country, while on the contrary his successor chose a more cautious approach. Will it be enough to re-build relationship with Putin's state? Stoltenberg's NATO new course has begun.
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