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HomeMEDIA RESOURCES2010Warsaw, 13 November 2010 - RUSSIA “CAN BE A VERY GOOD PARTNER” FOR NATO, SAYS POLISH OFFICIAL, BUT OBSTACLES TO CO-OPERATION WITH THE EU REMAIN

Warsaw, 13 November 2010 - RUSSIA “CAN BE A VERY GOOD PARTNER” FOR NATO, SAYS POLISH OFFICIAL, BUT OBSTACLES TO CO-OPERATION WITH THE EU REMAIN

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As Poland’s defence priorities evolve, it has learned to value the new partnerships of the 21st century. Security through co-operation is an approach that could also benefit NATO more widely, Polish Undersecretary of State Jacek Nadjer told the NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s Political Committee on today (Saturday 13 November).

In the current geopolitical climate, Russia “can be a very good partner for co-operation” with the Alliance, Nadjer said, assisting with the assessment of common threats, not least global terrorism, and co-operating with NATO’s efforts in Afghanistan.

Poland ’s own experience is relevant here, he said, as it is “the country that knows best” how to establish a dialogue with Russia. Despite the emphasis on hard security issues, Russia is Poland’s second-largest trade partner, and a dialogue between the two, and by extension with NATO, was “tough, but feasible” he said.

Speaking at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly at its 2010 session hosted by Warsaw, Nadjer also emphasized the importance of improving co-operation with the EU.

The recent changes in the EU’s security framework provide an opportunity to improve co-operation with NATO, he said. The Lisbon treaty provides for a more coherent leadership on external and security matters from Brussels, and outlines a mutual defence commitment between the EU members, the majority of whom are also NATO members.

The Polish presidency of the EU in the second half of 2011 will build on this, he said. In addition to developing the EU’s own capacities, Warsaw hopes to add to the “enhancement of EU-NATO relations”, he said.  

“Berlin Plus is not adequate anymore” for the co-ordination of theatre operations, he said, referring to the 2002 agreement which allows the EU to make limited use of NATO resources in third countries.

Other obstacles also remain to co-operation with the EU, he said, not least in the form of the ongoing tensions between Turkey and Greece over the island of Cyprus. “We are hostages to the Cyprus issue”, Nadjer said. “We are currently stalled, but need to find practical solutions to this dilemma.”

Nowhere is this more important than in Afghanistan, he said, where a comprehensive approach, making full use of EU and other civilian capabilities, is essential for a successful NATO mission.

Some 260 members of Parliament from NATO and Partner countries are currently meeting in Warsaw for the Assembly’s 56th Annual Session from 12 to 16 November.

 
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