Why won�t the West rely on diplomacy instead of NATO? Catl
NATO assimilating new military theater on Russian border
Pravda.RU
RosBalt
2004-04-22
The appearance of NATO aircraft on the Russian border indicates that
NATO has begun assimilating a new theater of military operations,
according to Colonel-General Leonid Ivashov, vice-president of the
State Academy for Geopolitical Research.
As reported by a Rosbalt correspondent, the general made the remarks
at a press conference Wednesday, saying that while the appearance of
NATO aircraft on Russia's border means little at first glance, if one
takes into account the installation of radar sites in the Baltic
countries, the modernization of six airfields, the increasing of
their operational capacity and the organization of methods for the
overflight of the Russian frontier, then it becomes clear that the
alliance is assimilating a new theater of operations.
Ivashov said that the modernization of airfields in the Baltic
countries and the increase in their operational capacity is intended
to accommodate 200 to 300 military aircraft. He said that NATO could
potentially use those aircraft against Russia in the event of
political or economic changes. He said that such economic changes
might involve the possible redirection of gas deliveries from the
west to the east. 'That would not necessarily lead to a military
confrontation,' he said, 'but the military factor will weigh on
Russia whenever it takes any political or economic decisions which
affect NATO's interests.'
