Mr Edy Korthuis Altes gave his life and work in service to International Peace Building. This is his latest letter, and on the situation between Russia, Nato and Ukraine. Deserves your eyes. Mr. Korthals Altes passed away on Christmas Day, 2021

1. Shortly before his death, former ambassador Edy Korthals Altes wrote a fervent plea to the EU
to safeguard peace on Europe's eastern border.
Edy Korthals Altes5 January 2022, 12:55 pm
The growing tension between Russia and the West surrounding Ukraine is worrying. In the
event of an armed conflict, Europe threatens to become the victim of the bill. It is therefore very
important to find a solution to this conflict. In my view, this can only be done if it is placed in a
broader framework: that of European security. There is an urgent need for a rethinking of the
European security structure. The Helsinki Agreements of 1975 and the Charter of Paris of 1990
provide points of departure.
Both the EU and Russia have a strong interest in a peaceful settlement that ultimately leads to a
project of European cooperation. What is the importance for the EU? To start with, the security
of the countries on the eastern border of the EU. In addition, preventing a Russian invasion of
Ukraine and strengthening the geopolitical position. It is also in European interest to expand
trading opportunities, including access to scarce raw materials.
And what is the importance for Russia? First of all, the disappearance of threat on the western
border, especially relevant because of the long, vulnerable eastern border with an increasingly
assertive China. In addition, strengthening the geopolitical position. The removal of economic
sanctions is to Russia's advantage, which could mean a possible relief from the worrisome
internal economic situation.
green men
How do we achieve cooperation, given the interests of both parties? By reducing pressure from
NATO, the most powerful military alliance in the world. This is under the express condition that
Russia will fully respect the sovereignty of all EU states. So no green men or cyber attacks or
other destabilizing actions. At the slightest violation, NATO is immediately present again with full
strength on Russia's western border.
It must also be ruled out that Ukraine joins or cooperates with NATO. Russia should fully respect
Ukraine's sovereignty, i.e. refrain from military invasion and destabilizing actions. The argument
that Ukraine, as a sovereign state, has the right to indicate itself with whom an alliance is
entered into completely ignores the key question of whether this is in the interest of the EU or of
NATO, given the negative impact this has on relations with Russia. .
Cooperation also requires strengthening economic relations, in addition to confidence-building
measures, such as the withdrawal of the armed forces behind a border to be determined.
russian bear
This cooperation can only come about when each other's vital interests are taken into account.
That means respect for the sovereignty of the countries bordering Russia, as well as for the
sensitivity of the underbelly of the injured Russian bear. In doing so, we would do well to recall
the commitments made by America to Gorbachev at the time. Also to the clear warning of the

2. former secretary-general of NATO Manfred Wörner: “No extension of NATO to the Russian
western border”.
As a direct stakeholder, the EU must take the initiative, including in NATO context, ie in close
cooperation with the US. It is now the US and Russia that decides our future over us and
without us. It is important that the EU moves!
Edy Korthals Altes (1924-2021) spent 35 years in the diplomatic service, including as
ambassador to Poland and Spain. He gave up his position out of deep dissatisfaction with
defense policy, especially nuclear armament, and the hostile treatment of Eastern Europe. He
subsequently devoted himself to national and international peace initiatives and organisations,
including the Council of Churches in the Netherlands and the Coalition of World Religions for
Peace. He died last Christmas Day.