The interaction of Russia and NATO in the strengthening of security in the Euro-Atlantic expanse is discussed by Russia-NATO Council that opened in Istanbul on Monday. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov takes part in it.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Yakovenko said: "We have common tasks in fighting international terrorism, coping with regional crises, combating the spread of weapons of mass destruction and fighting narcotics trafficking. Lavrov intends to discuss with the partners "the need of a prompt beginning of the process to ratify the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty."

"The dynamics of the development of Russia-NATO partnership depends, above all, on the alliance's taking into account the interests of Russia's security", Yakovenko said. "Alongside the coming into effect of the adapted CFE Treaty, there is also a need for confidence- building measures, mutual control and prevention of the dangerous military activities along the line where Russia and NATO are adjoining".

The prospects for partnership with NATO "depend on NATO taking into account the interests of Russia's security", Yakovenko said.

The ministers also discuss the problems of Afghanistan, including the effort to check the narcotics threat posed by Afghanistan, the situation in Iraq in connection with the transfer of power to the Iraqi interim government, and the situation in Kosovo. Lavrov believes all the Iraqi political forces should take part in the Iraqi settlement. "The main thing now is the situation in the area of security, the need to draw all the political forces in the settlement. This is the aim of Russia's proposal to convene an international conference", he said.

Source: Agencies