NATO AT ODDS OVER RUSSIA’S POSITION

PanARMENIAN.Net
06.05.2009 19:34 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ NATO finds Georgia’s to participation in military
exercises important, NATO official representative James Appathurai
said. He also that the alliance has no plans on rescheduling military
trainings in Georgia.

"Russia’s position on the issue is beyond our understanding. They
have been aware of exercises for over a year. How come they spoke
about it just a few weeks before the scheduled date?"

NATO representative didn’t touch upon other countries’ participation
in NATO maneuvers. "I will not speak about other countries as I am
aware of their position. We all realize the context in which such
statements are made. I find that such undue political tension only
complicates the situation," Mr. Appathurai e,phasized.

The NATO official also added that exercises are conducted
annually. Last year, they were organized in Armenia. "As member of
that partnership, Russia too, is always invited to participate in NATO
exercises," he said in an interview with radio station Ekho Moskvy.

The first part of trainings bears a virtual character; is conducted in
classrooms. During the second half, 450 servicemen take joint action
to resist alleged terrorist attack without weapons.