NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen on Friday stressed the need for closer cooperation with Russia, focusing on "inclusive" missile defence system, conventional armaments controls and a reduction in short-range nuclear weapons. Rasmussen delivered what NATO described as a "major policy speech" at a gathering of the Aspen Institute in Rome, dpa reported. "This bridge across Europe, between NATO and Russia, makes Europe more stable and more secure. "Yes, we disagree every once in a while, and fundamentally on some issues ... But we have learned not to let that overshadow the importance and the potential of this relationship," Rasmussen said. In particular, NATO viewed the recent Russian decision to move missiles into Georgia, as a "dangerous move that is clearly in violation" of the French-brokered ceasefire, Rasmussen said. On the positive side, cooperation had been achieved with Russia in combating terrorism, Rasmussen said. He also referred to Moscow's "support" for NATO's mission in Afghanistan. Rasmussen pinpointed "three tracks" which he said would improve security in Europe: missile defence, conventional arms control and reducing the number of short-range nuclear weapons in the region. He stressed the creation of an inclusive missile defence system. "If Russia and other countries feel like they are inside the tent with the rest of us, rather than outside the tent looking in, it will build trust" Rasmussen said. He warned of the threat posed by Russia's decision to suspend its participation in the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty - which sets limits on how many armaments such as tanks, armoured vehicles, and fighter airplanes each country can hold. Rasmussen said it would be "politically difficult" for NATO countries to continue to comply with the treaty if Russia fails to do so. He, however, did not provide details of any time frame before NATO members stopped to comply with the treaty. As for the short-range nuclear weapons, Rasmussen said "literally thousands" of these were left over from the Cold War, mostly in Russia. "This is the one category of weapons not covered by any arms control regime, and therefore with no transparency," making NATO members "cautious," Rasmussen said. "They would like to see arms control talks, at a certain stage, which include those weapons as well," he added. In Rome, the NATO secretary general also held talks with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, whom he thanked for Italy's contribution to the Afghanistan mission.
