Rinkēvičs: Russia's Proposals for a New European Security Order Are Unacceptable
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs says Russia's ideas for a "new European security order" are not up for discussion and the offer is unacceptable. According to Germany's Bild, Moscow is reportedly demanding, among other things, that Finland leave NATO and that the alliance give up bases in the Baltic states.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs has stressed that Russia's ideas for a "new European security order" are not open to discussion. According to presidential adviser Mārtiņš Drēģeris, the head of state considers Moscow's offer unacceptable. The statement concerns European security and the role of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the region.
Background
During talks held in Abu Dhabi, Russian representatives presented their ideas for a new security arrangement to European diplomats. The German newspaper Bild, citing its sources, reports that the Russian proposals include, among other things, Finland's withdrawal from NATO and the alliance giving up its bases in the Baltic states.
Europe's role in the talks
It has also been reported that US envoys said on Thursday, after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, that Europe would join further negotiations. The Kremlin, however, indicated that no decision has yet been made on the matter.
After months of efforts to be included in the talks, Europe has still not reached a consensus on who would represent it or what it is prepared to discuss with the Kremlin.
Moscow has insisted that any negotiations must revisit the European security architecture. Judging by what has emerged so far, Russia is once again putting forward demands to reduce NATO's influence.
