Doorstep statement

Good afternoon.

I am ready to answer your questions. First a couple of words.

I have some clear messages on defence and security this afternoon. Firstly, we need stronger defence in Europe. Stronger defence in Europe would also strengthen NATO. If European nations invest more in military capabilities, they could also make stronger contributions to NATO.

Secondly, we need to fill in the shortfalls. We know from our operations where Europeans need more capacity – observation drones, air-to-air refueling, heavy air transport, and I appreciate that the European Council will address these issues this afternoon.

And finally, we need more cooperation and coordination. We must avoid duplication and waste of resources. There is no such thing as a European army, only national capabilities and in order to get better security and more value for money we need more cooperation among individual nations, that is Smart Defence.

Q: What do you think of the French idea to create such a fund... a military fund for the European Union?  I heard that British already said that could weaken also the Alliance, the NATO Alliance.

ANDERS FOGH RASMUSSEN (NATO Secretary General):  As NATO Secretary General, I'm not going to interfere in EU decisions on that.  At the end of the day, it is a national decision.

But let me take this opportunity to express my strong appreciation for the swift and determined French action in Africa, in Mali, and in the Central African Republic.  I think that was needed in the fight against terrorism to save lives; and in general to stabilize the situation in the region.

Q: (Speakers overlap)

Q:  You said what you wanted; do you expect to get it?  Many people think it's been a year wasted until the (...inaudible...) give you what you wanted.

ANDERS FOGH RASMUSSEN:  My focus is on strengthening capabilities and appreciates that in the draft conclusion text this issue will also be addressed.

Q: (Inaudible) equations.  They give you enough.  Has come up with enough what you've been asking.

ANDERS FOGH RASMUSSEN:  Yes, but at the end of the day this is an EU decision.  And I'm not going to interfere with EU decisions.  But I appreciate that the European Union and the European Council put a lot of focus on defence and security. We need that because a strengthened defence in Europe would also strengthen NATO.

Q: (Inaudible)... question on Russia. After the events in Ukraine...  probably went... (Inaudible)...  Do the events of the last couple of months... Are you concerned of Russia's ambition in its immediate neighbourhood?

ANDERS FOGH RASMUSSEN:  It's clear that we have seen a more assertive Russian position.  And I think it's of utmost importance to... importance to stress the fundamental principles that each individual nation has an inherent right to decide freely its alliance affiliations.  We fully respect Ukraine's right to decide her own destiny.  And it is in contradiction with that principle if any nation tries to put pressure on a country.

Q: If Russia... (inaudible)

OANA LUNGESCU: One last question...

ANDERS FOGH RASMUSSEN:  I think it's fair to say and safe to say that we have seen Russian pressure on Ukraine and other countries in our Eastern neighbourhood.  

Q:  SecGen, how do you respond to President Putin now saying that Russians are not sending this out (inaudible)?

ANDERS FOGH RASMUSSEN:  In my public statements, I have commented on the often repeated Russian announcements of counter-measures if we continue the development of a NATO missile defence system.  And I have stressed and I will repeat that our missile defence system is purely defensive.  It aims at providing effective defence and protection of our populations against missile attacks.  

Our system is not in any way directed against Russia.  And that's why it's not justified to take countermeasures against our missile defence system.  And on top of that, it's also a waste of resources because it would be an investment in offensive weapons against an artificial enemy, an enemy that doesn't exist because we have no intention whatsoever to attack Russia.  

OANA LUNGESCU: Thank you very much.

ANDERS FOGH RASMUSSEN:  Thank you, yes.

Q: (SPEAKS IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

ANDERS FOGH RASMUSSEN:  (SPEAKS IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

OANA LUNGESCU: Thank you very much.  We'll see you later.