What is NATO’s course of action if the Afghan elections are found to be invalid? Would it not be hypocitical of our democratic values to support a fraudulent government?
Hopefully that won’t be the case. It is up to the independent Afghan election commission the address all complaints. What is needed is an election result which is credible in the eyes of the Afghan people. I find it of fundamental importance for the future of the country, that there is a credible and trustworthy government.
NATO is not playing a role in this process. We provided security on the elections day by keeping the extremists away from the voting stations. Seen from a security point of view the elections were a success.
It`s an ok job. But also just a detail.
NATO as an organisation must evolve faster than this.
Can`t connect USA, EU, NATO, UN. And eject ALL other nations from our org. Then we fail.
We need Norwegian laws everywhere.
This is a challenge Anders. Can you take it? Are you a man with power?
Hello illuminated,
The enlargement of NATO is a matter of great interest all over the world. Quite understandable, I think, since we are the most successful peace organization in the world. But I don’t measure success in how fast – or how far – the alliance expands. And NATO’s relevance is not linked to that.
I believe the key reason for NATO’s success is our well defined goal: Territorial defense. In today’s world, territorial defense also means countering the new threats: terrorism, cyber attacks, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction etc.
Sometimes it is necessary to go out of area to counter a threat – like in Afghanistan. But our focus must continue to be territorial defense.
Every European country that is able to further the principles on which NATO is based, and can contribute to the security of Europe and North America, may be invited to join NATO. We will keep an open door policy.
I tried to be “illuminated” because I was afraid. My deepest apologies for being rude in your corner. And you even took the time to answer it. Thank you sir. Best, from Norwegian student.
It is something strongly linked to the fact the US has give the anti-missile radar installation up on Poland. As many as 50 years the international issues are sadly treated by these 2 nations only.
Beyond this opinion, it’s the only one solution the US, and consequently the NATO, could do because enemies are now confronting us elsewhere and Russia was going to support, to back every anti-America and anti-Israel Country, in the Middle East, in Asia and in South America.
It’s like they (Russia) were going to raise a confrontation we never aimed at them, but they always feared the opposite.
It’s like they never made the next step in understanding our democratic purposes, and to try, after the Berlin-wall-fall to achieve again their imperialistic goals.
We had no alternatives but to make a back step, to show them they are not our enemies, even though we have had several Western leaders ruling differently.
Right words for Your position, Sir, on Russia. But as I am Russian myself (but also with the living permit in the Netherlands for my hubby is Dutch) I still ask a question, of whether you as the owner of a cozy house want to make a deal with those who think of the ways for potential treachery? By making the deal with those now that rule in Russia – you confirm they are legitimate. They are not – at least to my understanding of what is the meaning of democracy in NATO countries.
Besides, You say – N.Korea and Iran are a challenge – but Russia trades arms to them! And just recently also made a sweet loan to Chavez to build up his arms forces as well.
I do agree – there is a need that Russia develops good relationships with NATO and maybe even enters NATO if invited in future. But I think it would be a shame on NATO to do it with Putin-Medvedev-Sechin regime.
Will actually re-post your video in my blog with this very comment.
I totally agree .It`s time to think, to change, and act in new way´s
First step: to respect our differences and say goodbye to history of fear and take action, so peace and harmony in the world becomes the most important agenda.
Best Regards from Ann
Dear Mr. Cole
Yes. It is not in Russia’s long term strategic interest to have a strained relationship with NATO. Nor is it in our interest. We face many common security challenges and should develop a practical cooperation in areas where we are faced with the same security threats.
The Russian leadership has responded positively to my call for a new beginning by inviting me to Moscow in December. I look very much forward to a frank and direct exchange of views.
I’m glad to hear that – I hope that your trip to Moscow in December is fruitful.
I very much agree that a good relationship with NATO is in Russia’s interest (and vice versa) but I have concerns that the provocative stances taken by the Russian leadership are indicative of a return to eighteenth- and nineteenth- century thinking. This, in turn, makes it harder for us to co-operate on areas such as those you indicate.
What is NATO’s course of action if the Afghan elections are found to be invalid? Would it not be hypocitical of our democratic values to support a fraudulent government?
Hello rlsykes,
Hopefully that won’t be the case. It is up to the independent Afghan election commission the address all complaints. What is needed is an election result which is credible in the eyes of the Afghan people. I find it of fundamental importance for the future of the country, that there is a credible and trustworthy government.
NATO is not playing a role in this process. We provided security on the elections day by keeping the extremists away from the voting stations. Seen from a security point of view the elections were a success.
Best regards,
Anders Fogh Rasmussen
It`s interesting to see if Iran can function without our supply. Can we afford not try that?
Maybe north korea would look up to us and join in.
It`s an ok job. But also just a detail.
NATO as an organisation must evolve faster than this.
Can`t connect USA, EU, NATO, UN. And eject ALL other nations from our org. Then we fail.
We need Norwegian laws everywhere.
This is a challenge Anders. Can you take it? Are you a man with power?
Hello illuminated,
The enlargement of NATO is a matter of great interest all over the world. Quite understandable, I think, since we are the most successful peace organization in the world. But I don’t measure success in how fast – or how far – the alliance expands. And NATO’s relevance is not linked to that.
I believe the key reason for NATO’s success is our well defined goal: Territorial defense. In today’s world, territorial defense also means countering the new threats: terrorism, cyber attacks, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction etc.
Sometimes it is necessary to go out of area to counter a threat – like in Afghanistan. But our focus must continue to be territorial defense.
Every European country that is able to further the principles on which NATO is based, and can contribute to the security of Europe and North America, may be invited to join NATO. We will keep an open door policy.
Best regards,
Anders Fogh Rasmussen
I tried to be “illuminated” because I was afraid. My deepest apologies for being rude in your corner. And you even took the time to answer it. Thank you sir. Best, from Norwegian student.
What to say?
It is something strongly linked to the fact the US has give the anti-missile radar installation up on Poland. As many as 50 years the international issues are sadly treated by these 2 nations only.
Beyond this opinion, it’s the only one solution the US, and consequently the NATO, could do because enemies are now confronting us elsewhere and Russia was going to support, to back every anti-America and anti-Israel Country, in the Middle East, in Asia and in South America.
It’s like they (Russia) were going to raise a confrontation we never aimed at them, but they always feared the opposite.
It’s like they never made the next step in understanding our democratic purposes, and to try, after the Berlin-wall-fall to achieve again their imperialistic goals.
We had no alternatives but to make a back step, to show them they are not our enemies, even though we have had several Western leaders ruling differently.
Well done Anders.
Let’s see next answers from there
Saluti
Alessandro
Right words for Your position, Sir, on Russia. But as I am Russian myself (but also with the living permit in the Netherlands for my hubby is Dutch) I still ask a question, of whether you as the owner of a cozy house want to make a deal with those who think of the ways for potential treachery? By making the deal with those now that rule in Russia – you confirm they are legitimate. They are not – at least to my understanding of what is the meaning of democracy in NATO countries.
Besides, You say – N.Korea and Iran are a challenge – but Russia trades arms to them! And just recently also made a sweet loan to Chavez to build up his arms forces as well.
I do agree – there is a need that Russia develops good relationships with NATO and maybe even enters NATO if invited in future. But I think it would be a shame on NATO to do it with Putin-Medvedev-Sechin regime.
Will actually re-post your video in my blog with this very comment.
Thank you. Good statement. Premier Putin has said that Nato is the enemy. That does not tell about trust.
I totally agree .It`s time to think, to change, and act in new way´s
First step: to respect our differences and say goodbye to history of fear and take action, so peace and harmony in the world becomes the most important agenda.
Best Regards from Ann
Do you believe there is a genuine desire on the Russian part to restart and revitalise the NATO-Russia relationship?
Dear Mr. Cole
Yes. It is not in Russia’s long term strategic interest to have a strained relationship with NATO. Nor is it in our interest. We face many common security challenges and should develop a practical cooperation in areas where we are faced with the same security threats.
The Russian leadership has responded positively to my call for a new beginning by inviting me to Moscow in December. I look very much forward to a frank and direct exchange of views.
Best regards,
Anders Fogh Rasmussen
I’m glad to hear that – I hope that your trip to Moscow in December is fruitful.
I very much agree that a good relationship with NATO is in Russia’s interest (and vice versa) but I have concerns that the provocative stances taken by the Russian leadership are indicative of a return to eighteenth- and nineteenth- century thinking. This, in turn, makes it harder for us to co-operate on areas such as those you indicate.