The Friday interview of Vladimir Putin to German ARD was explicit. Europe may lose “oil, gas, petroleum chemistry, timber, different metals, fertilizers” if it prefers to serve interests of the U.S. foreign policy, the prime minister said.
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Speaking In Dependent Tone
Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev voiced yesterday five principles of the future foreign policy of the country. This statement of Medvedev as well as Vladimir Putin’s interview to German ARD could be viewed as a certain artillery preparation for the EU summit that opens today, September 1, 2008. The highlight of this event is relations with Russia in light of the war in Georgia. One thing is clear already, the EU will endeavor to reduce energy dependence on Russia.
In his Sunday interview with Channel One, Rossia and NTV channels, Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev made public the list of five positions for foreign policy of the country, including priority of the international law guidelines that determine relations between civilized nations; multipolar nature of the world; desire to avoid confrontation and isolation; protection of life and dignity of the RF citizens wherever they are; protection of Russia’s business community overseas; and recognizance of the area of Russia’s privileged interests.
The timing of this five-position presentation is interesting. The EU nations meet in Brussels September 1 to mull over the postwar relations with Russia. In an effort to confirm Russia’s resolve, Medvedev reiterated the standing of Moscow in respect of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. “We have made our decision, made it irrevocably,” Medvedev said.
As to potential sanctions of the EU, Moscow doesn’t fear them, the president made clear, pointing out that Russia has “laws for retaliatory steps, including for using Armed Forces.”
The Friday interview of Vladimir Putin was equally explicit. Europe may lose “oil, gas, petroleum chemistry, timber, different metals, fertilizers” if it prefers to serve interests of the U.S. foreign policy, the prime minister said. Russia provides “a reliable and vast” market for import of Europe’s product. “Anyone willing to halt the supplies? We will buy in other places. Who needs it, I can’t understand?” Putin emphasized.
www.kommersant.com
All the Article in Russian as of Sep. 01, 2008
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