""If a constructive response does not follow within a reasonable time and the West continues its aggressive line, then Russia will be forced to take all necessary measures to ensure a strategic balance and eliminate unacceptable threats to our security",
Lavrov told Sputnik.

The foreign minister mentioned that Moscow's proposals on security guarantees envision the non-expansion of NATO to the east and deployment of strike weapons near Russia's borders, but they all contain other elements that in the end should "form those
very reliable, legally binding security guarantees".

"Our proposals are aimed at creating and legalising a new system of agreements based on the principle of the indivisibility of security and abandonment of attempts to achieve military superiority, which was approved unanimously by the leaders of all Euro-
Atlantic states in the 1990s. I would like to emphasise that what we need is legally binding guarantees since our Western colleagues systematically fail to fulfill political obligations, not to mention voiced assurances and promises given to Soviet and
Russian leaders", Lavrov said.
"Participation of high-ranking military personnel of the United States and the countries of the [NATO] alliance is fundamentally important for us", Lavrov said, adding that Russia will not allow the US and NATO to delay the process with "endless
discussions"."

https://sputniknews.com/20211231/lavrov-to-sputnik-russia-suggests-creating-legalising-new-system-of-security-agreements-1091936821.html

Nato exists to keep "Russians Out, Americans In, Germans Down" according to its first Secretary. Is it anachronistic after 70 years?

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)