NATO chief foresees 'no U-turn' in relations with Russia

Sep 18, 2008, 18:50 GMT

London - The conflict over Georgia should not stop NATO from continuing its policy of constructive engagement with Russia, NATO chief Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said in London Thursday.

'I do not foresee a U-turn in NATO's policy vis-a-vis Russia,' Scheffer told military and security experts at the Royal United Service Institute (RUS) in London.

A U-turn was only required when wrong decisisons had been made, 'and we have not gone wrong,' explained Scheffer.

'The key tenets of our Russia policy - a policy of constructive engagement - remain sound,' said Scheffer.

He was speaking as an informal meeting of NATO defence ministers got under way in the British capital Thursday, at which relations with Russia, NATO expansion and Afghanistan will be among the main topics.

'Georgia may remain a bone of contention between Russia and the West for some time to come. But this must not prevent us from seeking to cooperate with Russia whereever our interests converge. One key area where this is the case is Afghanistan,' said Scheffer.