DUMA COMMITTEE CHIEF CALLS FOR NATO’S DESTRUCTION.

The chairman of the Russian Duma’s Defense Committee called yesterday for Moscow to do its best “to destroy NATO from within.” Roman Popkovich spoke during parliamentary hearings devoted to NATO’s enlargement and the dangers which enlargement allegedly poses to Russia. Popkovich was quoted as saying that Russia “has the opportunity to destroy NATO from within, and… should make use of that opportunity.” In the same context, but without providing specifics, Popkovich pointed to the NATO-Russian Founding Act–a partnership agreement between the two sides signed in May of 1997–and to the opportunities it affords Moscow to take part in NATO exercises.

Popkovich also said that Moscow should work by diplomatic means to deflect NATO from adopting a new strategic concept which could increase the alliance’s operations outside its territory (Russian agencies, March 4). The new concept is to be on the agenda when NATO member states hold a fiftieth anniversary summit meeting in Washington in April. Russia has criticized Washington’s efforts to commit the alliance to taking on a greater international role. Moscow has also attempted to exploit the unease which some European countries feel toward the U.S. proposals.

RUSSIAN GENERAL SAYS RED LINE WON’T BRING STABILITY.