Clinton once again stated: Russia should not be afraid of further expansion of NATO

The North Atlantic Alliance "is very interested in closer cooperation with Russia." This was stated in an interview with the Voice of America radio station, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The text of the conversation was widespread on Saturday by the State Department, ITAR-TASS reports.

As the head of the American foreign policy assured, Russia should not be afraid of further expansion of NATO. Deciding to join the alliance of the country of Central and Eastern Europe join the group of nations that work together to strengthen security, "said Clinton.

“NATO has no interest to take aggressive actions against a peaceful neighbor,” she continued. “In fact, NATO is very interested in closer cooperation with Russia. Because we believe that in the 21st century the problems arise not so much between states, which are committed to the world and prosperity, on the one hand, and groups, as well as the countries, on the other hand, on the other hand.”

According to Clinton, the process of expanding the alliance "helped Russia in the sense that it did not need to worry about the Western neighbors." “Russia to decide how it interprets such a development of events as the expansion of NATO,” the Secretary of State added. “But I would like a very close relationship between NATO and Russia that would go for the benefit of all sides.” When asked whether the US is disturbing that in Ukraine the politician who opposes the country's entry into NATO can win the elections, Clinton answered negatively. “No one is forced to join NATO by force,” said the Secretary of State. “And if the political leadership changes in Ukraine and the Ukrainian people decide that it will not be preferable not to seek NATO membership, this is their choice.”