Posted on 07/15/2008 1:57:33 PM PDT by Tailgunner Joe
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has attacked Western "paternalism" in a major foreign policy speech, singling out US and European policies on missile defence and Kosovo for criticism.
"With the end of the Cold War, there is no reason to have a bloc mentality. There is also no reason for paternalism, where some countries decide everything for others," Mr Medvedev said during a meeting with Russian diplomats in Moscow.
The Kremlin leader also likened the situation in Kosovo to Iraq and warned that Russia would be forced to take countermeasures against controversial US plans to site missile defence installations in Eastern Europe.
Mr Medvedev's comments suggested he would maintain the assertive stance of his predecessor Vladimir Putin, now Prime Minister, who as president often lashed out at Western policies in Moscow's former Soviet-era sphere of influence.
His speech at the foreign ministry conference, an event held every two years, was also billed by officials as bolstering his credentials on foreign policy amid assertions by analysts that Mr Putin still wields a major role.
Prior to Mr Medvedev's inauguration in May, some Western observers had expressed hope that the new Russian leader might adopt a more conciliatory posture in international affairs than Mr Putin.
Referring to US missile defence facilities, Mr Medvedev said: "These installations ... only worsen the situation. We will be forced to respond to this adequately. The EU and US have been warned."
Touching on the issue of Kosovo, Mr Medvedev condemned Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia in February.
"For the EU, Kosovo is almost what Iraq is to the United States.... This is the latest example of the undermining of international law," he added.
Moscow says Kosovo's self-rule is illegal since the region's independence was not condoned by Serbia, a traditional Russian ally.
... as opposed to Russia’s own paternalism, Mr Medvedev?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.