As acknowledged by Presidents of Estonia and the USA Toomas Hendrik Ilves and Barack Obama at joint Tallinn press conference, the security situation has clearly changed since the NATO-Russia base agreement was entered in 1997.
Ilves and Obama: situation substantially altered since Russia-NATO agreement
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3rd September 2014, 14:14
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According to Mr Ilves, NATO decided to freeze relations with Russia several months ago, referring to the text of the agreement.
«Reading the text of the agreement, we see its conditions are binding «in the current situation and foreseeable future». That was the security situation in 1997. Boris Yeltsin was President of Russia, there had been no violations of UN Charter, Paris Charter and Helsinki Accords. Now, we have a new security environment, but we need not to renounce the base agreement in its entirety. If, in certain parts, it is no longer valid, it is time to change it,» said Mr Ilves.
The Estonian President noted it is Russia that has broken the treaty. «We continue to support the vision of the document, but its essence has changed. The activities of NATO correspond to its obligations,» said Mr Ilves.
According to Barack Obama, the situation has clearly changed as compared to the times the NATO-Russia base agreement was entered, and the topic will definitely be discussed at the NATO summit in Wales starting tomorrow.
Mr Obama said the US priority is to avoid any ambiguity regarding NATO article five.
«We have increased the presence of our rotating troops in the states neighbouring with Russia. Considering the altered security situation, we must make sure the rotations are effective. NATO will need to renew and update its defence capability as a whole,» said Mr Obama.
Mr Obama noted there was a time when a measure of indifference developed in NATO member states. «Now, new defence plans are needed so NATO can function effectively. As stated by NATO secretary-general with increasing sharpness, every member must do its part and we need to boost our collective capacity. What is happening in Ukraine is tragic, while allowing us a fresh review of how to proceed with NATO,» said Mr Obama.