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More NATO needed in CEE as deterrent to Russia: Polish president

PR dla Zagranicy
Paweł Kononczuk 26.03.2016 09:20
Only an increased presence by NATO in Central and Eastern Europe can provide a real deterrent to Russia, Polish President Andrzej Duda has said.
President Andrzej Duda (left) and Defence Minister Antoni Macierewicz. Photo: PAP/Paweł SupernakPresident Andrzej Duda (left) and Defence Minister Antoni Macierewicz. Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak

In an interview with The Washington Post, Duda said that “it’s hard not to be worried” by Russia, Poland’s giant neighbour to the east.

Warsaw is hoping that at an upcoming NATO summit in the Polish capital, the military alliance will confirm that it will beef up its presence in Central and Eastern Europe.

“Russia has many times violated international law over the last couple of years, from Georgia through Ukraine to Syria,” Duda told The Washington Post.

“All of that arouses obvious uncertainty. That is why I believe NATO should demonstrate that it [will] respond to the current situation.”

Asked whether that meant stationing troops on Polish soil or troop rotation, Duda said: “I believe that NATO should strengthen its defensive potential in this part of Europe to such a degree as to make it absolutely clear that it does not pay off to launch an attack against any member state.

“Only the increased presence of NATO in Central and Eastern Europe can ensure real deterrence,” he added.

A NATO summit is to take place 8-9 July at the National Stadium in Warsaw, bringing together some 2,500 delegates, including heads of state and government, EU and United Nations leaders.(pk)

Source: The Washington Post

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