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Mark Taplin does not think Moscow is preparing open military conflict with NATO
Russia remains a provocative agent in Europe. It is trying to divide Western allies and does not hesitate to pay in order to influence things in its favour. This is the warning launched by Mark Taplin, former charge d’affaires of the US diplomatic mission to Romania between 2005 and 2008, during his conference organized in Bucharest on the occasion of the anniversary of 135 years of American-romanian diplomatic relations.
The ability of the Kremlin people to place money on the table, in the attempt to influence things should not be underestimated in Romania as it should not be underestimated in France, for instance, Taplin warned.
The former diplomat points to the fact that Russia is acting on several levels in the attempt to expand its influence in the region, and propaganda is an instrument often used. However, the former US official does not think that Moscow is preparing for an open military conflict with NATO.
Taplin says he is not worried that Russia might use a military provocation which should start a reaction based on Article 5. Unfortunately it is a provoking behaviour with the intention to intimidate. He thinks that NATO is taking concrete measures.
He saluted the military exercises programmed by NATO in member states in the eastern border, Romania included. It is a gesture meant to discourage Russia, the former diplomat thinks. About the crisis in Eastern Ukraine, Taplin says that Moscow has a well established plan for that area and that Transnistria is a model for what the Kremlin might plan in Eastern Ukraine.
In these conditions Ukraine should be supported on a long term by the US and the European partners, both from the political and economic points of view.
Asked in Cluj about Romania’s position in that crisis, Taplin said we should not underestimate the quality of NATO member and the support granted by the USA. Washington considers there are two key players in Eastern Europe- Poland and Romania. There are many arguments supporting this outlook and the geopolitical role counts a lot. In the last 10 ten years the importance granted to Romania in Washington has grown very much. It is an appreciation coming from joint military exercises and from the results of fight against corruption, from informative collaborations and other reasons, Taplin said.