NATO seeks rebuilding of contacts with Russia

BRUSSELS, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- A call for rebuilding military contacts with Russia was brought up at a NATO meeting this week in Brussels, officials said.

Earlier this year NATO suspended interaction with Russian counterparts in reaction to Russia's involvement in Ukraine. Foreign ministers recommended renewal of contacts between senior NATO leaders and Russian military commanders.

"Ministers agreed that at this time of tension there is a need for regular communications among NATO and Russian military to avoid any incidents, and that NATO military authorities should keep channels of military communications open and use them when necessary to avoid any possible misunderstandings related to military activities," said Oana Lungescu, a NATO spokeswoman.

Alexander Grushko, Russian permanent representative to NATO, said his country was amenable to renewing contacts, adding that "communications links and appropriate structures are still in place."

The initiative calling for crisis management protocols recalls emergency lines of communication between Moscow and Washington during the Cold War. NATO representatives fear tensions between Russia and the West could quickly go out of control without opportunities for dialogue. It comes as Russia has increased military exercises in Europe, including incidents in which Russian fighter planes have flown in and near European airspace, prompting the possibility of collision with NATO aircraft.

Earlier, Grushko warned NATO's increased use of military exercises in Eastern Europe is heightening the tension and "will lead to serious risks of military incidents." The Russian TASS news agency reported Grushko told journalists, "This way could lead to the emergence of a new round of arms race and increasing tensions."

His comments came as Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a law ratifying a five-year military alliance between Russia and Kazakhstan, reportedly establishing a unification of military supplies and security procedures.

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NATO seeks rebuilding of contacts with Russia