NATO can lessen terrorist threat, not completely eradicate it

  • 2017-05-24
  • BNS/TBT Staff

RIGA - In an interview on Latvian Radio this morning, the Latvian Ambassador to NATO Indulis Berzins said that NATO can lessen terrorist threats, but not completely eradicate them.

The diplomat said that only by staying together can countries fight global terrorism.

Asked whether during the upcoming NATO summit will there be any changes in relations between NATO and Russia, Berzins said that the ball is in Russia's side, and if it wishes to improve its relations with the alliance Russia can easily do this. He said that Russia must change its behavior in Ukraine and Syria if it hopes for improved relations.

He said that NATO is open for a dialogue, but added that it does not seem that Russia is planning on changing its policies.

The ambassador also pointed out to Latvia's commitment to increase defense spending to two percent of GDP next year, saying that Latvia cannot economize when it comes to its security.