All eyes are on Geneva as the United States and Russia started their discussions on their geopolitical differences, focusing on the crisis in Ukraine and the bloody clashes in Kazakhstan.
The talks between the two countries could shape not only the future of their bilateral relations, but also those of Washington with its NATO partners, as the fate of Ukraine and possibly the broader post-Cold War stability in Europe is at stake.
However, a climate of low expectations has been cultivated ahead of the meeting, a sign that is far from encouraging, according to commentators.
One of those keeping a low profile is NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who said today, Monday, that not all issues may be resolved in negotiations between Russia and the West this week, but they may offer a way forward to avoid conflict.
"It is possible to reach agreements with Russia," Stoltenberg noted during a joint press conference with Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishina.
"I don't think we can expect that all issues will be resolved in these meetings. What we hope is that we can agree on a way forward, that we can agree on a series of meetings, that we can agree on a process," the NATO Secretary General explained.
For her part, Stefanisina pointed out that Russia's demands for security guarantees are not a basis for negotiations.
"We should all realize that Russia's demands to the allies cannot be considered a negotiating position," she noted in the same press conference.
"The aggressor is not in a position to set conditions until the Russian tanks have left the Ukrainian border," the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine stressed.
Stoltenberg stressed that Ukraine "has the right to defend itself" and added that if Russia resorts to violence, "it will pay a very heavy price."
"We need to reach a political solution, to avoid armed conflict. But we have to prepare for the case that Russia, once again, chooses to use armed force, chooses conflict instead of cooperation. And therefore we also need to send a very clear message to Russia that we are united and that there will be a big price to pay."
On Wednesday the NATO-Russia meeting will take place in Brussels and the following day the meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
Source: cnn.gr
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