Nato and Russia draw closer

BRUSSELS - Nato and Russia are to forge closer political and military links' in spite of continuing differences over plans to…

BRUSSELS - Nato and Russia are to forge closer political and military links' in spite of continuing differences over plans to accept countries in central European as members into NATO, writes John Palmer.

Alliance defence ministers meeting in Brussels yesterday endorsed proposals by the Russian Defence Minister, Gen Pavel Grachev, for intensive cooperation on a range of issues including joint weapons development, arms control and measures to the counter international terrorism and the drugs trade.

A smiling Mr Grachev said after the meeting that Russia was also willing to commit troops to any follow on peace keeping operation in Bosnia when the mandate of the present for mission runs out.

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