Tone it down, tell us of flights, NATO tells Russia

VILNIUS (Reuters) - NATO defence chiefs asked Russia on Friday for advanced warning of military exercises such as bomber sorties and repeated a call for Moscow to tone down the rhetoric in disputes with NATO members.

The issues were brought up by several NATO defence ministers during a cooperation meeting with Russian Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Kolmakov in the Lithuanian capital.

A NATO spokesman declined to name the ministers who had made the requests to Russia. One alliance source said they represented "northern countries" in the 26-member alliance.

"Some of the ministers asked for advanced warning when they intend to send military equipment like bombers," a NATO spokesman told reporters.

"Ministers also asked them to lower the tone of their rhetoric," the spokesman added.

A latest example of Russia flexing its military muscles took place on Jan. 22 when two Russian long-range "Blackjack" bombers flew to the Bay of Biscay, off the coasts of NATO members France and Spain, to test-launch missiles.

Russia has also resumed 24-hour strategic air patrols over its territory and carried out long-range air missions over international airspace, nudging close to other NATO member states, Norway and Britain.

As well as such exercises, Russia has used tough language in response to NATO's plans for further expansion eastwards to countries like Georgia and Ukraine.

President Vladimir Putin on Friday delivered an address with long passages of tough rhetoric aimed at the West, including accusing the United States of unleashing a new arms race.