Yet, we see Putin and Gorby, the UN and the EU all pursuing the same goals. Is it a coincidence that Putin is X-KGB and was Gorbachev's personal pick for successor before he was 'ousted'?
"We will never achieve unity in Europe until we create a single security and defense space," he said. "If we fail to do that ... we will continue to mistrust each other."
- Vladimir Putin
"You have made our union of nations stronger, but I believe you can make it stronger still. I am closely following the European Union's efforts to forge a common foreign and security policy, and look forward to many more instances where the European Union will act with and through the United Nations, in the cause not only of peace in Europe, but of peace and prosperity worldwide"
- Kofi Annan
The solution is for Europe to turn to Russia, "which has become their much needed ally in the war against terrorism." Moscow demands a "long-term arrangement" from NATO with at least "a limited participation" in alliance deliberations to "resolve European security problems."
- Voice of Russia World Service (Official broadcasting service of the Russian government)
"I am enthusiastic to build a strong and large Europe, not only with 25 or 27 members, but also one which will include the Russian Federation, whenever that becomes possible"
- Silvio Berlusconi