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Secretary Clinton on
NATO-Russia Relations
Press Availability after NATO Meeting
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Brussels, DC, Belgium
March 5, 2009
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to full transcript of Press Availability
(Excerpt from Opening Remarks)
We also today had a vigorous discussion about Russia. I thought it
was absolutely invigorating to have the kind of true debate that
exists among friends and allies over such an important issue. We
emerged with greater unity of purpose about how to build a
constructive relationship with Russia and a stronger consensus about
our relations with the emerging nations of Europe’s east.
While the alliance won’t agree and indeed need not agree on every
issue relating to Russia, we can and do agree that we must find ways
to work constructively with Russia where we share areas of common
interest. We also agree we must find ways to manage our differences
with Russia where they persist, and stand firm where our principles
or our vital interests are at stake.
NATO today agreed to restart the NATO-Russia Council as a mechanism
for dialogue on issues both where we disagree, such as in Georgia,
as the Secretary General noted, and a platform for cooperation that
is in our interest, like transit to Afghanistan or nonproliferation.
Tomorrow in Geneva, I will be meeting with Russian Foreign Minister
Lavrov to discuss a wide range of critical matters where we can
cooperate and those where we have differences.
(Excerpt from Question and Answers)
QUESTION: Thank you. Madame Secretary, as you know, some of the new
NATO members have interpreted your recent overtures to Russia as
potentially the U.S. making deals behind their back. I wonder – I
know that you’ve been emphasizing that you’ll be consulting before
any decisions are made anywhere – in Asia, in Middle East and
Europe, everywhere you go. But what did you do today to give
assurances to those allies that you will not indeed make any deals
over their heads, whether it be with the Lithuanians, the Czechs or
the Poles? Thank you.
SECRETARY CLINTON: I think I reiterated that as members of this
alliance, we share a common defense commitment – an Article 5
requirement – that we take very seriously. We intend to work with
and support all of our NATO allies. We are well aware of the
particular concerns that a number of nations in Europe’s east, who
have long experience with Russia, have voiced about any kind of
dialogue with Russia, whether it be NATO-Russia, the United
States-Russia, or any kind of discussion.
I certainly have emphasized, not only today but repeatedly, as have
the President, the Vice President, and others that we support the
rights of sovereign nations to make their own decisions. As Vice
President Biden said in his well-received speech in Munich, the
United States will not recognize any nation having a sphere of
influence over any other nation.
I reiterated again today – in our meetings with Ukraine and Georgia
– the United States’ firm commitment to each of those nations moving
toward NATO membership and our equally strong commitment to work
with them along with NATO to make clear that they should not be the
subject of Russian intimidation or aggression.
But I think – as we decided today after lengthy, thoughtful debate –
there are benefits to reenergizing the NATO-Russia Council, just as
there are potential benefits for the discussion that I will begin
with Foreign Minister Lavrov tomorrow in Geneva. We have areas where
we believe we not only can, but must cooperate with Russia –
nonproliferation, arms control, antiterrorism, anti-piracy efforts.
There are a number of important matters that should be discussed
between us and Russia.
There are equally serious matters that we need to not stop talking
to Russia about. I don’t think you punish Russia by stopping
conversations with them about matters, whether it be the misuse of
energy supplies or the failure to comply with the requirements set
forth by the OSCE and others concerning their actions in Georgia.
I think that what we have to be is willing to vigorously press the
differences that we have while seeking common ground wherever
possible. That’s what we intend to do. I believe that our allies
understand that. They are well aware that the United States supports
them and their national aspirations.
We think that this kind of dialogue with Russia has the potential of
easing tensions and solving problems and we pursue it with our eyes
wide open. We are certainly not in any way speaking for any other
nation whose sovereignty and territorial integrity we respect. We
also intend to stand firmly behind our values and principles. That’s
our position and that’s how we will proceed.
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