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Frankfurt / Brussels (dpa) - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of military deterrence in an interview with peace researchers.
The more credible the military deterrent, the easier it is to negotiate arms control, he said in a discussion on international peacekeeping at the 3rd Ecumenical Church Congress in Frankfurt.
As long as there is a military threat, "we must first have credible deterrence," he said when asked about military spending and civilian peacekeeping.
He cited the relationship with Russia as an example of the balance between pressure and dialogue.
"We offer dialogue, but Russia continues to behave aggressively, both at home and internationally," he said, referring to Ukraine, Georgia and dealing with Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.
"We have to maintain economic pressure and sanctions while we offer an offer to talk."
When asked what role religious leaders could play in resolving conflicts, Stoltenberg said that while religion can be part of the solution, it can also be part of the problem.
This applies not only to the Islamist terror of IS, but also to the Norwegian right-wing extremist Anders Breivik, who tried to justify his acts based on his beliefs.
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Because of Corona, the discussion was recorded without an audience.
The Kirchentag, which runs until Sunday, is largely digital.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210515-99-606823 / 2
Ecumenical Church Congress