Stoltenberg: „People have the right to live in peace“

Mr. Secretary General, as Social Democrat leading the Alliance in a very difficult time what would you do differently – also in regard to Moscow?

NATO will always defend its Allies, protect our values and support our friends. This is the right thing to do, whatever your political background. The situation in Eastern Ukraine is going into the wrong direction. The immediate priority is to stop the fighting - and I welcome Germany's tireless efforts to find a political solution. Ukraine is a sovereign country, with a democratically elected president and a democratically elected parliament. Its people have the right to live in peace like the rest of us. And we must support them to achieve this.

We must also stand up for our values. Remember that Russia’s annexation of Crimea is the first time that one European country grabs the land of another since World War Two. This is illegal and illegitimate, and undermines the fundamental principles on which European security is based. Moreover, Russia continues to destabilize Ukraine by providing continued support, training, equipment and forces to violent separatists. So we continue to call on Russia to change course, to respect its international commitments, to stop its support for the separatists, and to contribute to a peaceful solution in full accordance with the Minsk agreements.  

Over the last two decades, NATO has made substantial and genuine efforts to establish a strategic partnership with Russia. Our goal has always been to include Russia, not to isolate it. I firmly believe that, over time, Russia will recognise that there is no future in confrontation, and that it will return to the path of respect, trust and cooperation. But a strong NATO is and remains the pre-condition for engagement with Russia.  

In the middle of the Cold War Willy Brandt’s ‘Ostpolitik’ led to détente in Europe. With regard to the conflict in the eastern Ukraine the call for a new policy towards the East and for détente is getting louder. Do you see a chance for détente with Russia in the near future? And which steps must be taken?

Willy Brandt has always been a source of inspiration for me personally and for Norwegian Social Democrats in general. His ‘Ostpolitik’ was based on a strong defence combined with active dialogue. Today, while the situation is very different, I believe those same principles remain valid.

Because of the changed security situation both to the east and the south, NATO is now engaged in the most significant strengthening of our collective defence since the Cold War. This is about NATO forces protecting NATO territory. Everything that we do is defensive, proportionate and in line with our international obligations.   

We have also kept the channels of diplomatic dialogue with Russia open, while at the same time suspending all practical cooperation, because of Moscow’s aggressive actions in Ukraine. That is why I met minister Lavrov on the margins of the Munich Security Conference this week. Our assessments about the situation in Ukraine remain very different, but especially in difficult times it's important that we keep channels of dialogue open. 

Kiev is contemplating to join NATO. If the Ukraine becomes a member of NATO, would that lead to more or less security in Europe?

Every country has the right to choose its own path. This is a fundamental principle that we have all subscribed to, including Russia. Ukraine itself has made clear that the process of reforms is likely to take time. Whether and when Ukraine becomes a member of NATO is a question that will be decided by Ukraine and by the 28 NATO Allies – and no one else.

NATO’s door remains open to all European democracies which share the values of the Alliance, are willing and able to assume the responsibilities and obligations of membership, and to contribute to Euro-Atlantic security. Any country that applies for NATO membership will be assessed on those criteria by all the 28 Allies.