But Doesn't See Direct Military Threat
NATO must take a middle ground in response to Russia's actions
against Georgia, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told American
and British reporters before attending a NATO meeting in London
Thursday.
Various NATO member states have urged different courses of
action to punish Russia for its invasion of Georgia, a nation with
NATO aspirations. Generally, NATO members in Eastern Europe and on
the Baltic Sea want stronger sanctions than nations farther
west.
"I think there is a middle ground, in which I suggest where we
do some prudent things that are consistent with the kinds of
activities NATO has been engaged in for 60 years in terms of
planning, in terms of exercises and so on," Gates said. These
signals are not provocative and don't tend to draw any firm lines
or send signals that are unwanted, he said.
"At the same time, it sends some reassurance to the allies in
Eastern Europe and the Baltic states that we're mindful of their
concerns," he said.
Gates said he does not fear a direct military challenge from
Russia. "It's hard for me to imagine that those who are currently
in NATO feel a real military threat coming from Russia," he said.
"To the degree there is a sense of concern, my guess is that it has
more to do with pressure and intimidation than a prospect of any
military action."
NATO must continue to subscribe to the territorial integrity of
Georgia, Gates said. "I think what has been important here is the
unity of the United States and Europe in addressing what Russia has
done," he said. He praised French President Nicolas Sarkozy's
leadership, calling it "very constructive and very positive."
The meeting Gates will attend will focus on the transformation
of NATO. He will be discussing continued development of
expeditionary capabilities for the alliance, more necessary
capabilities such as airlift, and the reform of NATO
headquarters.
Gates also addressed the
status-of-forces negotiations with Iraq during the roundtable. He
said the American negotiation team is back in Baghdad and has some
ideas that should satisfy Iraqi concerns. The Iraqi government is
concerned about jurisdiction and detainee issues. The United
Nations authorization for US forces in Iraq runs out December 31,
and the United States and Iraq must agree on a follow-on plan.
Finally, Gates said the United States is keeping a wary eye on
North Korea following reports that its leader, Kim Jong Il, is
seriously ill.
"We are watching it very closely," he said. "We are concerned
about instability. I think all of North Korea's neighbors are
concerned about instability, in no small part because of the
possibility of large flows of refugees. We are looking at that, but
at this point it's not entirely clear how seriously ill he is, or
what the circumstances are. We, with our friends, are just watching
at this point."
(Aero-News thanks Jim Garamone, American Forces Press
Service)