August 05, 2008	Tuesday	Sha'aban 2, 1429

MOSCOW, Aug 4: Russia’s newly-appointed military envoy to Nato pledged on Monday to develop ties with the Atlantic alliance provided it took into account Moscow’s security concerns.

Army General Alexei Maslov, chief commander of Russia’s Ground Forces, told Itar-Tass news agency cooperation with Nato could be successful if there was real, equal partnership.

“Russia will build its ties with Nato, depending on the alliance’s ... commitment not to ensure their security at the expense of Russia’s security,” he said.

Russia fiercely opposes Nato’s eastward expansion and views membership bids made by its ex-Soviet neighbours Ukraine and Georgia as a threat to its security.

Announcing Maslov’s appointment earlier on Monday, the Defence Ministry said the move “is meant to underline the importance Moscow attaches to its relations with Nato.”—Reuters