"We have repeatedly said that the choice of the national defense and security strategy is an internal and sovereign affair of each state. But we still consider the policy of Sweden’s non-participation in military blocs as an important factor of ensuring stability in northern Europe," the diplomat said.
"Sweden’s admission to NATO would have military-political and foreign policy consequences that would require necessary response steps from the Russian side," Zakharova underscored.
[tass.ru]
10/9/15
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Sweden has called in Russia's ambassador to explain comments by a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman who said any Swedish decision to join NATO would have "consequences" that would compel Russia to respond....
ReplyDelete"It is not acceptable to make threats," Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom told reporters. "We are an independent country which makes independent decisions on our security policy."
Tensions have been mounting recently, with Sweden increasingly concerned by Moscow's actions in Ukraine and military activity around the Baltic region.
On Thursday a Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said Sweden's admission to NATO "would have military, political and foreign policy consequences that would require indispensable response measures from the Russian side."
Sweden is not a member of NATO but is closely allied to the bloc and regularly takes part in military exercises............REUTERS
11/9/15