The Alliance with the 90-ies expands to the East, towards Russia, When making decisions about new members of the dominant argument becomes " politics ", said the chief of the General staff military power of the Russian Federation, army General Valery Gerasimov.

"Typical, fresh members of the Commonwealth - almost all former members of the Warsaw Pact And former Soviet republics. In other words, since the 90-ies of NATO enlargement occurs due East, towards the Russian borders, " he said.

Gerasimov recalled that since 1999 the number of members increased by 12 countries, and at the same time for the period of cold war, the number has only increased by four. However, he said that, despite some slowdown, the process of inclusion in the block of new members continues.

in view of the most likely candidates for NATO membership he called Montenegro, Macedonia, Bosnia And Herzegovina." in addition, the Alliance continue to Express about the prospects of Euro-Atlantic integration of Georgia And Ukraine, " - said Gerasimov.

The General has noticed that " in the decision-making process of accession of countries to the Alliance openly demonstrates the dominance of political arguments over the requirements to them as members of the bloc.

"Although economic And military capabilities not all of meganatural" And candidates for membership in the Alliance meet the criteria for membership in this organization, their accession to the bloc is seen as a means of establishing a single And shared values of Europe, " said Gerasimov.

sections: Politics