Stoltenberg Says NATO Will Use Open Debate to Counter 'Russian Propaganda'

NATO will use open free debate in countering Russian propaganda when it deals with Moscow's informational presence in Europe, including the Western Balkans, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Tuesday.

BRUSSELS (Sputnik) — Stoltenberg expressed confidence at a press conference on the sidelines of a NATO ministerial meeting in Brussels that the bloc shouldn't use propaganda in standoff with Russia.

"We have seen some increased Russian presence, also in the Western Balkans…we will not counter Russian propaganda with propaganda, we will counter it with an open free debate because we believe that facts and the truth in the long run will prevail," Stoltenberg said.

Stoltenberg also said that the United States will remain committed to fulfilling their obligations regarding NATO and ensuring the security of Europe after the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump.

"I am absolutely confident that the United States will maintain its strong commitment to NATO, to the transatlantic bond and to the security guarantees for Europe. I'm confident both because he has said so to many European leaders and he also told me the same when we had a phone call some weeks ago," he added.