Head of NATO's military liaison mission evades question on Russian perspectives in joining alliance

Head of NATO's military liaison mission in Moscow Major General Peter Williams has welcomed the intention of countries to join the alliance, but evaded the question about Russian perspectives to join the organization.

When answering journalists' questions, Williams said that NATO had a developed system of helping the armed forces in those countries that were willing to join the alliance. However, bringing them in compliance with the NATO standards is "a long process", he pointed out. Refusing to comment on individual countries' admission to the NATO, Williams stressed that any nation's intention to join the organization was welcome.

The Major General evaded the question on Russian perspectives to join NATO, saying that "amazing changes" had taken place during the recent ten years of Russian-NATO cooperation. He described the relations between the parties as "good, businesslike", and said he was sure they would be more efficient in future.