Would Russia Have Veto Over NATO Affairs?

16/05/2001| IslamWeb

MOSCOW (Islamweb & News Agencies) - NATO chief George Robertson meets Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin on Friday to discuss burgeoning security ties between the former Cold War foes that could eventually see Moscow given a veto in alliance affairs.
NATO Secretary-General George Robertson told Reuters on Thursday that the two sides were discussing plans for closer security ties that could imply a Moscow veto in some cases.
``That's one of the implications,'' Robertson said when asked whether the new proposals would effectively hand Russia a veto in NATO affairs.
``It would depend on the subject matter as well...but we're not at that stage yet. We're exploring it, and that is one of the implications that would have to be weighed up.''
Robertson, who is on a two-day visit to Russia, has already held talks with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov and is due to meet Putin and Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov on Friday.
Putin has made integrating Russia into Western institutions a top priority, despite strong reservations among the military. But he insists that Russia, which remains a nuclear superpower, be treated with respect.
``Russia doesn't intend to stand in line for NATO membership,'' he said on Thursday after meeting foreign policy lawmakers.
``In economic, technical, military and territorial potential Russia is self-sufficient and capable of guaranteeing its own defense...but we are looking toward positive, constructive relations with all countries and international organizations, especially in the sphere of security,'' Putin added.