Russia: NATO still seen as partner

BRUSSELS, May 8 (UPI) -- Moscow still regards NATO as a partner even though relations have been strained by an alliance exercise in Georgia, a Russian diplomat says.

Ambassador Dmitry Rogozin, Russia's envoy to the military bloc, said Friday in Brussels he hopes cooperation between Moscow and NATO can resume, RIA Novosti reported.

"We do not think NATO has been lost to us as a partner," said Rogozin, adding that since the two face common threats, failure to cooperate would be unwise.

He indicated Moscow has not suspended consultations with NATO, saying preparations for an upcoming envoy-level Russia-NATO Council session are under way even though Russia has criticized a long-planned NATO-led military exercise in the former Soviet republic of Georgia that began this week, the news service said.

NATO should have delayed the drill in Georgia, Rogozin said, adding, "If the plans are not subject to changes no matter what has happened in Georgia -- a war, a typhoon, or a meteorite falling -- it reveals the lack of flexibility and political thinking among those who make the decisions at NATO."