Rinkēvičs: Russia's ideas on European security order are not up for discussion
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs says Russia's proposals for a "new European security order" cannot be discussed. According to a German newspaper, Moscow is reportedly seeking Finland's exit from NATO and the removal of alliance bases in the Baltic states.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs has stressed that Russia's ideas about a "new European security order" are not up for discussion. According to presidential adviser Mārtiņš Drēģeris, Rinkēvičs considers Moscow's proposal unacceptable. The assessment comes as Europe is still searching for a common approach to taking part in talks with the Kremlin.
What Russia has proposed
During talks held in Abu Dhabi, Russian representatives presented European diplomats with ideas for a new security order on the continent. The German newspaper Bild, citing its sources, reported on Friday that the proposals include Finland leaving NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, as well as the alliance giving up its bases in the Baltic states.
Europe's place at the table
On Thursday, after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, US envoys said that Europe would join further negotiations. The Kremlin, however, indicated that no decision had yet been made. After months of struggling to be included in the talks, Europe has still not reached consensus on who would represent it or on what it is ready to discuss with the Kremlin.
Moscow has insisted that any negotiations must involve a review of Europe's security architecture. Judging by these proposals, Russia is once again demanding that NATO's influence be reduced.
