President Putin wonders "why NATO still exists"

TAJIKISTAN Vladimir Putin says that NATO in its present form is a throwback to the Cold War and that it should be transformed into a political organization. "Why it's still here is unclear. It (NATO) is to a significant degree a Cold War atavism," the Russian president stated as he met with soldiers deployed at Russia's 201st military base, located in Tajikistan. President Putin wonders "why NATO still exists" He stressed that Russia does not wish to see the western military alliance step outside the boundaries of the activities envisaged by its own statute, and expand its sphere, becoming a global organization. The Russian leader added that his country was "interested in NATO's more rapid transformation". According to Putin, Russia is perceiving NATO's expansion now, and will do so in the future, "with reasonable concern". "You know it full well as soldiers that stories are one thing - while the existence of some sort of strike complexes or anti-missile systems near our borders is another. This creates a real threat to our territory. Of course, in that case we will have to build our defense policy is such a way as to eliminate that threat," he stated while addressing the troops. Putin is currently on a visit to the former Soviet republic, during which an agreement was reached to extend the presence of the Russian military base up to the year 2042. Vladimir Putin (Beta/AP, file) Tanjug

President Putin wonders "why NATO still exists"

He stressed that Russia does not wish to see the western military alliance step outside the boundaries of the activities envisaged by its own statute, and expand its sphere, becoming a global organization.

The Russian leader added that his country was "interested in NATO's more rapid transformation".

According to Putin, Russia is perceiving NATO's expansion now, and will do so in the future, "with reasonable concern".

"You know it full well as soldiers that stories are one thing - while the existence of some sort of strike complexes or anti-missile systems near our borders is another. This creates a real threat to our territory. Of course, in that case we will have to build our defense policy is such a way as to eliminate that threat," he stated while addressing the troops.

Putin is currently on a visit to the former Soviet republic, during which an agreement was reached to extend the presence of the Russian military base up to the year 2042.