General Baluyevsky: Russia does not fear NATO expansion

Russia does not fear NATO's expansion if its new members do not threaten its national security and use their infrastructure to deploy strategic arms.

First Deputy Chief of the General Staff Colonel-General Yuri Baluyevsky said as much at his Moscow talks with Chairman of NATO's Military Committee Guido Venturoni.

According to Baluyevsky, Russia's policy has become more predictable. Russia, he emphasised, does not threaten anybody today but we have defended and will defend our national sovereignty.

Admiral Venturoni in turn said within the format of 20 relations would be based upon the documents signed in Reykjavik. They will be related to the fight against terrorism, assistance in conflict situations, joint development of the European missile defence, and peace-keeping contingents of rescue sea operations.

Admiral Venturoni arrived in Russia on May 26th to open in Moscow NATO's mission.