NATO at odds over Russia's position

PanARMENIAN.Net - NATO finds Georgia's to participation in military exercises important, NATO official representative James Appathurai said. He also that the alliance has no plans on rescheduling military trainings in Georgia.



"Russia's position on the issue is beyond our understanding. They have been aware of exercises for over a year. How come they spoke about it just a few weeks before the scheduled date?"



NATO representative didn't touch upon other countries' participation in NATO maneuvers. "I will not speak about other countries as I am aware of their position. We all realize the context in which such statements are made. I find that such undue political tension only complicates the situation," Mr. Appathurai e,phasized.



The NATO official also added that exercises are conducted annually. Last year, they were organized in Armenia. "As member of that partnership, Russia too, is always invited to participate in NATO exercises," he said in an interview with radio station Ekho Moskvy.



The first part of trainings bears a virtual character; is conducted in classrooms. During the second half, 450 servicemen take joint action to resist alleged terrorist attack without weapons.