Robert Simmons: Belarus’ recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia will have negative impact on relations with NATO

NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Deputy Assistant Secretary General Robert Simmons thinks recognition of Caucasian republics by Belarus would have a negative impact on NATO-Belarus relations.

Robert Simmons said it during his visit to Minsk on December 11. The representative of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization considers the problems of Caucasian republics can’t be solved by recognition of their independence.

When Russia recognized independence of these two regions of Georgia, NATO said it contradicted the principle of territorial integrity and condemned this step of Russia. If Belarus makes the same, recognize independence, it will influence NATO-Belarus relations. Robert Simmons said that step wouldn’t be useful, Radio Svaboda reports.

The NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General advised Belarus not to repeat a decision of Russia. BDG notes. Robert Simmons said all countries, including Belarus, were trying to find a solution to Caucasian conflicts, but the preventive actions Russia took by recognizing the regions wouldn’t lead to peaceful solutions to the conflicts.

Speaking in Minsk on December 11, the NATO representative expressed a hope for positive changes in Belarus-NATO relations. He said he hoped a dialog between Belarus and NATO would reach a new level where mutual visits and discussion of common issues would be possible.

Uladzimir Herasimovich, head of the department of foreign security and control over arms of the Ministry of Foreign Affaires of Belarus, said “we shouldn’t allow confrontations” that can be seen between NATO and Belarus some time ago, and “political dialog and practical cooperation are needed”. “In our view, NATO’s role in European security system is very important and Belarus is ready for further cooperation in this direction,” Uladzimir Herasimovich noted.