Russia’s Foreign Policy Concept Paper: Moscow Against Georgia in NATO

Russia has reiterated its opposition to NATO expansion in a foreign policy concept paper approved by President Dmitry Medvedev on July 12.

“Russia maintains its negative stance towards NATO expansion, in particular towards the plans to grant Ukraine and Georgia NATO membership, as well as towards bringing NATO military infrastructure closer to Russian borders in general,” the concept paper, which was released publicly on July 15, reads.

The document, which lays out Russia’s main foreign policy priorities, also says that such a development would foster the emergence of “new dividing lines in Europe.”

The concept paper also says that Russia will continue its “mediator and peacekeeper role” in conflicts in the former USSR and will “actively facilitate the peaceful resolution of conflicts… based on international law and based on respect of previously reached agreements.”

According to the document, Russia’s priority remains the development of bilateral and multilateral relations with CIS member-states.

“Russia is for friendly relations with each member-state of the CIS based on equality, mutual benefit and respect of each others’ interests. With countries showing a readiness [for such relations], Russia is developing strategic partnerships,” the document reads.

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