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Russia open for dialog with NATO, alliance’s rhetoric opposes it — envoy

Russia’s Permanent Representative to NATO says Russia is open for a dialog, it in full implies the NATO-Russia Council established as a communication channel for any weather

© EPA/BORIS PEJOVIC

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BRUSSELS, May 19. /TASS/. Russia is open for a next meeting of the NATO-Russia Council but the alliance’s rhetoric about "deterrence" of Russia runs counter to creation of the atmosphere of a dialog, Russia’s Permanent Representative to NATO Alexander Grushko said on Wednesday, commenting on remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg about a possibility for convening a next meeting of the NATO-Russia Council that is to be debated by the alliance’s foreign ministers on Thursday.

"Russia is open for a dialog. It in full implies the NATO-Russia Council established as a communication channel for any weather," Grushko said. "Certainly, it is desirable that the council’s meetings would bring about the added value. Hence, at the last meeting on April 20 we exchanged opinions on key issues and security threats."

"In the meantime, ever-increasing rhetoric about the need to boost Eastern flank to deter Russia cannot facilitate the creation of a proper atmosphere for serious talks," the Russian envoy said. "We will see what decisions will be made following NATO foreign ministers’ meeting.".

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