The time is right for NATO to renew negotiations with Russia, Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said on Tuesday going into a meeting of his Atlantic Alliance colleagues dedicated to relations with Moscow.
''I think the moment has arrived to renew negotiations with Russia, first on an informal level and later on a formal one,'' Frattini said.
The minister added that informal talks should begin as quickly as possible on an ambassadorial level or within joint workshops, while formal contacts should resume next spring on a ministerial level.
This would entail reconvening the NATO-Russia Council.
NATO froze its relations with Moscow following Russia's invasion of neighboring Georgia in August.
In order to create a proper climate for a thaw in relations, the Italian diplomatic chief suggested putting on hold efforts to bring Georgia and Ukraine into NATO's Membership Action Plan (MAP), an initial step towards joining the Alliance.
''For Georgia and Ukraine we should only confirm what was said at the NATO summit in Bucharest and not insist on them joining MAP,'' Frattini said.
During NATO's summit in April, Georgia and Ukraine were not invited to join MAP but it was suggested they move ahead with reforms necessary to qualify for future membership.
The issue has divided NATO with the United States pushing for Georgia and Ukraine joining MAP, while Italy, together with Germany and France, is concerned this could compromise relations with Russia.
''If there is disagreement it is best to avoid arguments and divisions between us (NATO) otherwise we may send the wrong message,'' the Italian foreign minister observed.
