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Russia-NATO Talks Constructive Despite No Major Breakthrough – Scheffer

NATO secretary general Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said Friday after the NATO–Russia Council in Bucharest the two parties expressed different views on some issues, but talks were constructive, even though no stunning breakthrough was achieved.
04 apr. 2008, 14:24, English
Scheffer said discussions were frank and open and ended on an important note, namely that the NATO-Russia relation has become an important bridge across Europe.
 
 
The NATO official also said the Alliance and NATO diverge on important issues such as NATO enlargement and Kosovo.
 
 
“It is clear that enlargement is a contentious issue between Russia and NATO,” Scheffer said.
 
 
However, Scheffer added he is 100% certain NATO enlargement will continue. Debates on the Kosovo issue should also continue. There is no disagreement between Russia and NATO on the presence of KFOR in Kosovo, which is governed by the UN resolution.
 
 
“President Putin understands very well that KFOR’s role is to protect every Kosovo citizen, minority or not” Scheffer said, adding that “NATO is not in the recognition business”.