Written Answer

Mr. Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals the Government has put forward in recent NATO discussions on managing relationships and arrangements with Russia. [232600]

Member Answering Question: The Rt Hon Caroline Flint MP, Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Answer: The UK wants a constructive relationship between the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and Russia. Since 2002 the NATO-Russia Council (NRC) has promoted consultation and co-operation on a wide range of security issues. However, Russia's disproportionate actions in Georgia have put this relationship under considerable strain. NATO Foreign Ministers made clear on 19 August that there could be no business as usual with Russia. Ambassadorial level meetings of the NRC have been suspended and a number of NATO-Russia activities have been postponed.

However, we have made clear that it is important that NATO keeps open lines of communication for hard-headed engagement with Russia, and continues co-operation where it is of strong benefit to the Alliance, particularly on Afghanistan, Counter-Narcotics and Counter-Terrorism.

Russia must show it is prepared to meet its commitments under the 12 August and 8 September agreements, brokered by President Sarkozy. The extent to which Russia meets these commitments will determine how the relationship between NATO and Russia develops.