Russia is Europe's natural ally - by Vladimir Putin
On March 25 the Times Online published the following article by Vladimir Putin. Note EU-Digest : With all the present hype about Georgia it might be a good idea for all of us in Europe to read this article again before we get totally engulved by the hysterious rhetoric coming to us from Georgia and other former East Block nations
"The development of multifaceted ties with the EU is Russia’s principled choice. In the foreseeable future, for obvious reasons, we have no intention of either joining the EU or establishing any form of institutional association with it. Russia intends to build its relations with the EU on a pragmatic basis with a treaty and a strategic partnership. In this regard I agree with Romano Prodi’s view of Russian-EU relations: “Anything but institutions.” We are prepared to develop this partnership to a maximum extent, expecting of course that our partners will meet us halfway along this road.
The interests of Russia and the EU will not always coincide. Competition is the reverse side of cooperation and an integral part of the process of globalization. At the same time, one should not see political intrigues behind purely economic measures. One should not superimpose cold war ideological labels on legal and quite understandable actions aimed at protecting our national interests. Let me say again: we are ready to settle differences through open dialogue and compromise, based on mutually agreed rules. I am convinced that the development of relations between Russia and the EU has logically led us to the need for a new treaty on strategic partnership."
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