Swedish Defence uneasy about Russia
The Swedish government is ready to reassess it military strategy plans following Russia’s armed action in Georgia. Among the consequences might be a military build-up in the northern parts of the country.
Sweden has over the last years made serious cuts in its armed forces. One of the latest cuts is the decision to close down the ranger battalion in Arvidsjaur, the northernmost army unit in the country.
Now the defence cuts might come to an end, however. The Swedish government confirms that the defence plans for the period 2010-2014 will be amended and adjusted. The plan was supposed to be adopted this year, the Swedish Armed Forces reports.
Sweden - Georgia
The reason is Russia’s military action in Georgia.
-The Russians have crossed a line, which I thought would be impossible after the post-Soviet drawing of the European map, foreign policy spokesman for the Social Democratic Party, Urban Ahlin, says.
-It is serious that the Russians argue that they have to protect their citizens in South Ossetia, because the Russians are minorities also in the Ukraine and the Baltic countries, Mr. Ahlin adds, newspaper Aftenposten reports.
Bad relations
Meanwhile, political relations between Sweden and Russia are gradually dropping to an unprecedented post-Soviet low. Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt has been extraordinary outspoken about Russian actions in Georgia. Now, the minister is not welcome in Moscow. According to Aftenposten, Mr. Bildt was not invited to Moscow in connection with the Georgia crisis, despite the fact that Sweden now chairs the Council of Europe.
