NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer has called for ?moderation and de-escalation? in the tension that has developed between Russia and Georgia over a spy row.
Speaking at a news conference after a NATO-Russian Council session in Slovenia on September 29, Scheffer noted that NATO will not play ?a direct role? in the dispute.
?Russian Defense Minister Ivanov clearly stated that Russian position. This is of course a bilateral matter between the Russian Federation and Georgia. NATO of course does not play a direct role in this. It is a bilateral issue. Nevertheless, I asked a representative of my staff to speak with the Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister because I think it is important, also given the partnership relation between NATO and Georgia. Also, on my behalf there was a call for moderation and de-escalation and this is relevant for all parties. That is as relevant for Georgia as it is for our Russian friends. But I say again that this is not an issue where NATO will play any direct role, apart from my appeal,? the NATO Secretary General said.
Scheffer made remarks in his opening speech at the news conference and told reporters ?you might ask me a question ? I do not exclude this after the NATO-Russian Council ? on Georgia, which is of course on everybody?s mind today.?
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