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Putin slams West over 'double standards' in Ukraine, Iraq (WAAAAAA!!! Alert)
AFP on Yahoo ^ | 12/23/04 | AFP - Moscow

Posted on 12/23/2004 10:59:29 AM PST by NormsRevenge

MOSCOW (AFP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin (news - web sites) hit out at the West's "double-standards" amid a Cold-War-style dispute over Ukrainian elections, accusing it of fomenting "permanent revolutions" in Moscow's backyard.

Putin again slammed US-led plans to press ahead with elections next month in Iraq (news - web sites) and said it was the height of hypocrisy for Western governments to criticise Russia for pursuing its interests in neighbouring former Soviet republics.

"Today according to our estimates there are nine cities in Iraq where there are hostilities but they still want to carry out elections," he said, condemning European elections monitors' plans to observe the poll from Jordan as a "farce".

"We do not understand how there can be an election in a country under conditions of total occupation... It's absurd. It's a farce. Everything is upside down."

The Russian leader said it was "complete nonsense" to accuse Moscow of trying to "devour" its smaller neighbours in the former Soviet sphere of influence, referring to countries such as Georgia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan during a wide-ranging annual press conference.

He said "permanent revolutions" such as the so-called "orange revolution" of West-leaning Ukrainian opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko risked plunging the region into "endless conflict".

Yushchenko is favoured to win a repeat presidential election on Sunday after an earlier poll which was clinched by Kremlin-backed Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich was annulled due to massive fraud.

"It's extremely dangerous trying to resolve political problems outside the framework of the law, first the 'rose revolution', then they'll think up of something like blue," Putin said.

"If you have permanent revolutions you risk plunging the post-Soviet space into endless conflict," he said, referring also to the so-called "rose revolution" in neighbouring Georgia in late 2003, won by US-educated President Mikhail Saakashvili.

Even so Putin said Moscow would "respect the will of the Ukrainian people" in Sunday's election.

"We hope that the national interests triumph over the political expediency of some," he said.

"We will work with any leader in Ukraine, but we expect that in the entourage of Viktor Yushchenko there will not be people who build their political ambitions on anti-Russian slogans."

Putin has previously accused the West of pursuing neo-colonialist objectives in eastern Europe and his latest comments mark an escalation in Moscow's rhetoric against perceived Western meddling in traditional Russian affairs.

He said he would raise concerns that the United States is trying to "isolate" Russia when he meets US President George W. Bush (news - web sites) early next year.

But the Russian president otherwise praised the strength of US-Russian relations, especially in the fight against terrorism.

"The United States is one of our high priority partners. We happen to be natural partners in resolving several acute problems these days, especially combating terrorism," he said.

"I would describe our relations not as a partnership but as an alliance."

Putin also defended Moscow's efforts to retake control of the country's energy sector amid international concerns that post-communist economic reforms were being rolled back.

State-owned firm Rosneft, in surprise late-night announcement Wednesday, revealed it had bought control of the major asset of the Yukos energy giant, owned by imprisoned billionaire Mikhail Khodorkovsky and his associates.

The deal -- the first renationalisation of the post-Soviet era -- cements Kremlin control of the strategic energy sector after almost 18 months of attacks on Yukos.

"Today the state, using absolutely legal market mechanisms, is protecting its interests. I consider that absolutely normal," Putin said.

He also dismissed fears from the liberal or free-market wing of his government that the Russian economy was slowing because of state intervention, saying it the outlook was "clearly positive."

Gross domestic product should grow by 6.8 percent this year and this would be "about in line with average growth in the last five years," he said.


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Extended News; Foreign Affairs; Government; Politics/Elections; Russia; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: doublestandards; geopolitics; iraq; putin; slams; ukraine; west
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To: RusIvan

Sources my dear RusIvan, please provide sources if you know so well this article you must read it somewhere. Btw Read history of Poland if you want to talk about its past.


41 posted on 12/24/2004 3:42:33 AM PST by Lukasz (Terra Polonia Semper Fidelis!)
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To: Lukasz

>Maybe this West have sometimes a bit of right?

Nope.


42 posted on 12/24/2004 6:46:33 AM PST by Chuzchka-Prizrak
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To: MarMema

russians arent my concern. but its amazing that russians have the ignorance and the arrogance to assume that they are God's gift to the world that they need to steal elections in order to 'HELP' those people.

your arrogance is absolutely astounding. if you like your dictators, keep them to yourself. dont impose them on other countries. ukraine has had enough of russia's 'freedom'.


43 posted on 12/24/2004 8:20:43 AM PST by KOZ. (Razom Nas Bahato!)
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To: Chuzchka-Prizrak; Admin Moderator
Better Russian dictator in Russia, than power eager idiot in oval cabinet waging wars all across the planet. And plenty of other countries, always ready to spread legs to serve the will of their new “democratic” master.

troll alert

44 posted on 12/24/2004 8:21:39 AM PST by KOZ. (Razom Nas Bahato!)
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To: KOZ.

Dogs are barking, wind is blowing...


45 posted on 12/24/2004 8:23:18 AM PST by Chuzchka-Prizrak
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To: Chuzchka-Prizrak

whats your point


46 posted on 12/24/2004 8:35:27 AM PST by KOZ. (Razom Nas Bahato!)
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To: KOZ.

buh-bye mr. troll :)


47 posted on 12/24/2004 8:43:09 AM PST by KOZ. (Razom Nas Bahato!)
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To: Lukasz

Moscow, many times. Archangelsk. Rostov-on-Don. Some other small towns.


48 posted on 12/24/2004 9:46:39 AM PST by MarMema
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To: MarMema

Putin stinks, sometimes Russia even worse.. Russian people are OK but semetimes they are simply lost... Hope next elections in Russia and Belarus in Spring/Summer, enough time to protest against regimes..


49 posted on 12/24/2004 10:33:54 AM PST by pebe
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To: Lukasz

We will see, Putin supports all of the CIS dictators then what you expect to see, I don’t know.==

IMO Putin will step down and new russian president will be someone governer today. Like Moscow mayor Luzhkov for example.


50 posted on 12/25/2004 3:21:39 AM PST by RusIvan
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To: Lukasz

Btw Read history of Poland if you want to talk about its past.==

Poland has emperial past like Turkey. At one time in history there was struggle between Poland and Turkey on one side and Russia on opposite.
Russian won and became new empire. But Poland and Turkey empires went into dusk.
Since then Poland and Turkey participated in many fights but always lost if they was alone.
SO it make the good memory on national character. Those countries and people fight succesfully only with help of strong allies.
I perfectly understand WHY Poland and Turkey now eager to be into EU. Why those countries don't like to be independent, why Poland for example exchanges the ranks of Soviet empire to EU empire. Poland doesn't want to be alone to be independent. History and national character what it is.
What make me laugh then is when Poland and Turkey whose don't stand to be independent at first place try to teach Russia about freedom:).
It is wrong address for teaching. Russia ALWAYS independent means free but Poland and Turkey are always under ruling of other stronger countries! I call you to look into history yourself:).
Merry Christmas!


51 posted on 12/25/2004 3:32:28 AM PST by RusIvan
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To: RusIvan
"Poland would capitulated before terrorists if she had to confront them ALONE! Poland would never go to fight just for her own!"


52 posted on 12/25/2004 6:39:57 AM PST by Grzegorz 246
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To: RusIvan
LOL You should really try to read some not Soviet stuff. What big allies helped to won polish war? The last war which Poland won was Polish-Soviet war 1918-20, when we didn’t had any important allies, with little help of Russian stupidity.

Russia always was independent country, especially when polish troops were in Moscow and our Dmitry was Russian czar. Only thing what defend you was your geographical position. Btw Russian people were always SOOOOOOO independent, or rather were slaves of czars, commies, Putin’s oligarchs. Maybe polish people were occupied by dirty German-Russian bandits but we proofed many times during the rebellions that we give a shit what you thinking and we where always ready to spit the face of the occupant. Something that Russian NEVER were able to do!

Russian military many times proofed, how stupid there were and are, polish-soviet war, war with Finland (ROTFL), Chechnya, Hitler’s aggression where the WEST saved your asses (with help of polish army, freed from your prisons) it is only recent examples. Russians was in Poland only because powerful German army allowed them to do so. ALONE you were ZEROS!

Now guess with nation it is? Dirty, hungry, without honor, with slave mentality? BUT their country WAS an EMPIRE!

Happy new year!
53 posted on 12/25/2004 9:02:53 AM PST by Lukasz (Terra Polonia Semper Fidelis!)
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To: Lukasz

Now guess with nation it is? Dirty, hungry, without honor, with slave mentality? BUT their country WAS an EMPIRE!==

We both know that it isn't true. You showed yourself very biased vision of Russia. If you realy think that way then you simply mistake. But you know that history showed that such mistakes was critical.
Russia maybe today has huge problem like always but it is our way to live:).

What big allies helped to won polish war? ==

Ok maybe one time for century when Poland went alone into war and this war was aggressive in persuit for eastern land of Ukraine and Belorus. Poland occupated Kiev in 1920 then soviet army reached Warsaw.
You defended in that time then 1939 came. Those soviet leadership under Stalin has big grudge and revenged 1920 in 1939.
Ok it is all soviet grudge and for me it is not important.
I'm for one would be happy if Poland in 1920 won comminists and destroyed thier power.
But unfortunately the policy of Pisludskii was to grab ukranian and Belorus land when Russian empire fell. Later Poland did same thing when in 1938 grab Tishin region of Checkoslovakia.
Then 1939 came and Poland payed dearly for this stupid mentality.

But anyways in 1944 came time when russian soldiers in Soviet Army died for freedomn of Poland from hitlerites.
We all know now that those sacrafices was in vain. Poland is never grateful for blood spilled by other for her.
It is another whim of consciousness of small state.


54 posted on 12/25/2004 9:31:44 AM PST by RusIvan
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To: RusIvan
Ok maybe one time for century when Poland went alone into war and this war was aggressive in persuit for eastern land of Ukraine and Belorus. Poland occupated Kiev in 1920 then soviet army reached Warsaw.

Pilsudski signed pact with Ukrainian leader Peltura, they both wanted to get rid of the Russians. He had a vision of rebuilding the Polish-Lithuanian empire but this time officially with Ukrainians. We helped also Latvians and freed city of Dinaburg without any profits for us. You can blame him for this vision, but Russians shouldn’t be there as well.

Russian empire fell. Later Poland did same thing when in 1938 grab Tishin region of Checkoslovakia.

This region was grabbed by Czech communists during our polish-soviet war and retaken in 1938 to save our people from nazis. Region was inhibited mostly by Poles.

But anyways in 1944 came time when russian soldiers in Soviet Army died for freedomn of Poland from hitlerites.

hahaha No comments. Bandits were worth each other.
55 posted on 12/25/2004 10:06:05 AM PST by Lukasz (Terra Polonia Semper Fidelis!)
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To: Lukasz

Pilsudski signed pact with Ukrainian leader Peltura, they both wanted to get rid of the Russians.==

So it was ukranina leader who 'invited' polish troops to Kiev? Hahaha:)). Very curious version of history - polish version.
I'll tell my ukranian relatives this they will be very very surprised:)).

This region was grabbed by Czech communists during our polish-soviet war and retaken in 1938 to save our people from nazis. Region was inhibited mostly by Poles. ==

Always. How I can forget what polish do always very very honorable and with best interests of occupied people in mind:)).
DO you know that those who vise versa occupied Poland itself justify thier actions same way like you here?

But anyways in 1944 came time when russian soldiers in Soviet Army died for freedomn of Poland from hitlerites.

hahaha No comments. Bandits were worth each other. ===

Of cause if Stalin left poles to Hitler and never crossed river Bug then today we couldn't possibly find one pole of those lands which we call Poland.

If you won your freedom by yourself then you may be so bold. But you just exchange one boss for another which is more rich.
Your new boss will learn same lesson eventually as Russia did that pole honor doesn't include gratitude.


56 posted on 12/26/2004 5:23:11 AM PST by RusIvan
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To: Lukasz

Don't wast your time with this Soviet, it's pointless.


57 posted on 12/26/2004 6:46:09 AM PST by Grzegorz 246
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To: RusIvan

You Russians are so sweet, discussion with you are always so funny but unfortunately as Grzegorz mentioned, it is road to nowhere. I’m even not shocked that you admire Stalin “achievements” but if you expect that Poles will be grateful for his participation in our past, you are simply wrong, you should go search fools in other place. You may start in Russian Federation. :)


58 posted on 12/26/2004 2:17:55 PM PST by Lukasz (Terra Polonia Semper Fidelis!)
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To: MarMema
"In this country we only have many jokes about Polish people."

We also have many good jokes.

How many American tourists does it take to change a light bulb?


Fifteen. Five to figure out how much the bulb costs in the local currency, four to comment on "how funny-looking" local light bulbs are, three to hire a local person to change the bulb, two to take pictures, and one to buy postcards in case the pictures don't come.
59 posted on 12/26/2004 2:29:37 PM PST by Grzegorz 246
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To: Lukasz

I’m even not shocked that you admire Stalin “achievements” but if you expect that Poles will be grateful for his participation in our past, you are simply wrong, you should go search fools in other place.===

Stalin was SOVIET leader and this one made him figure which I'm NOT admiring. I do NOT like soviet past of Russia where she was under oppression.
Remeber that commies came to power in Soviet Union after bloody civil war where russian national side unfortunately lost.

I just emphasize for you that I don't like Stalin but it was Stalin who did for Poland lot of things. Like saved it from total annaulation by hitlerites.

Now you poles conviniently forgot WHO just saved asses of your grandies. If not Stalin we don't have this discussion today since for there won't be partner for me from your side since there would be the peopleless territory which we call Poland today. Just maybe few poles who served as servants of german masters.
Then same Stalin presented to Poland new territories like never was polish. The part of eastern Prussia and Danzig.
So I suggest that poles gratify Stalin.

For me Stalin bloody dictator who throwed lives of russian soldiers for someone who never deserved it. But for you he was a savior of your people.


60 posted on 12/26/2004 3:40:45 PM PST by RusIvan
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