Putin Parries Bush's Comments on Democracy in Russia

GOPUSA ^

[Happy2BMe]

Putin Parries Bush's Comments on Democracy in Russia

By Sergei Blagov
CNSNews.com Correspondent
February 23, 2005

Moscow (CNSNews.com) -- Ahead of a summit with President Bush in Slovakia, Russian President Vladimir Putin has fended off strong comments by his American counterpart about the Kremlin's shifts towards authoritarianism.

Bush called on European leaders this week to join him in urging Putin to embrace political reform, and to challenge him on recent measures such as restrictions on press freedom and the centralizing of power.

But in an interview with Slovak media, Putin said the principles and institutions of democracy "must be adapted to the realities of Russian life today, to our traditions and our history. And we will do this ourselves."

When it came to democracy and human rights, he added, Russia had 14 years ago "made a choice in favor of democracy -- not to please anyone, but for its own sake, for the sake of Russian citizens."

Putin said he did not expect anything "extraordinary" from Thursday's summit in the Slovak capital, Bratislava, but felt it nonetheless important because of the "broad common agenda with the U.S." in the areas of economics, international security and the fight against terror.

He expected the agenda to include discussions on North Korea's nuclear programs and the Middle East.

The U.S. is unhappy about Russia's assistance to Iran's nuclear programs, and about Russian plans to sell missiles to Syria.

Speaking to Russian reporters about the meeting with Putin, Bush said personal friendship between the two leaders was key in U.S.-Russian ties.

"We are friends. This is important for good negotiations, for the sides to understand each other and the decision-making process," the Russian news agency quoted him as saying.

"I want to talk to him to ask him why he does this or that, and I suspect he wants to ask me the same questions."

Bush said Monday the U.S. and European nations should put democratic reform at the heart of their dialogue with Moscow.

"We must always remind Russia ... that our alliance stands for a free press, a vital opposition, the sharing of power and rule of law."

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov did not respond directly Tuesday to Bush's comments on democracy in Russia, noting instead that the president had highlighted the need to strengthen the Russia-U.S. and Russia-EU partnership to face terrorism and weapons of mass destruction proliferation.

Russian foreign policy experts predict that the Bush-Putin meeting will help ease differences between the two governments.

"The summit should come as a starting point for new relations," said Alexander Konovalov, head of the Strategic Assessment Institute, a Moscow-based thinktank.

"The summit must have a broad agenda outlining our relations for 30 to 40 years to come," he said.

Anatoly Tsyganov, head of the Center of Military Forecast, another Moscow thinktank, said the meeting was necessary "to forestall a cooling of relations between Russia and the United States."

According to a recent National Public Opinion Research Center poll, 38 percent of Russians believe U.S.-Russia relations remain "normal," while 30 percent see them as "cool" or "strained."

In general, 59 percent regard bilateral relations in a positive light and 34 percent in a negative light.

[Happy2BMe]

Democracy flourishes where there is liberty.

[Happy2BMe]

DEMOCRACY IN RUSSIA - ping.

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"When it came to democracy and human rights, he added, Russia had 14 years ago "made a choice in favor of democracy -- not to please anyone, but for its own sake, for the sake of Russian citizens."

[GSlob]

I believe it was Shcharansky (correct me, if I recall wrong) who said that how a country treats its own is a good indicator of what to expect of it in its external relations. I see a lot of merit to this thesis.

[Happy2BMe]

I hear conflicting reports on conditions inside Russia and just how democratic of a society they really are (after the 'fall' of communism).

[GarySpFc]

I just made the following post on another thread.

And what is Putin pulling now? I hear so many echoing the anti-thinking, anti-Russian rhetoric heard in the MSM. Two points need to be made.

Firstly, Putin jailed the owner of Yukos and sold the company for two reasons:
*Michael K. broke the agreement the oligarchs had to stay out of politics.
*Yukos was guilty of tax evasion. In Russia many companies routinely keep two sets of books to avoid taxes, and Putin wanted to put a stop to it.

Secondly, Putin legally changed the way governors are elected at the suggestion of his good friend Berusconi, who was at his home visiting while they were watching our election returns and rooting for Bush. Did you know that for many years Italy has had appointment of all regional governors? Does that make Berlusconi a tyrant too?

Did you know that the appointments can be vetoed at the local levels by councils there? That's more democratic than the way Italy does it. Why is it always Putin who is the bad guy? You people buy into the same liberal crap they dispense about him in Russia that the liberals dispense here about Bush.

[NCSteve]

Hopefully this is just rhetoric. Hopefully Bush will not be so stupid or arrogant that he re-invents the Cold War for the sake of "spreading liberty."

It is absolutely critical that Russia and the US form a lasting alliance, both military and economic. It we fail to do so, we might as well begin learning to speak Mandarin now. Imagine Russia restored to its post-WWII position of strength, but as a free society and equal partner of the US.

The Bush Administration would do well to reflect on its comments regarding sovereign matters of the Russian Federation. We would certainly ask no less of Russia regarding sovereign matters within our borders.

[maine-iac7]

It is absolutely critical that Russia and the US form a lasting alliance, both military and economic. It we fail to do so, we might as well begin learning to speak Mandarin now

ABSOLUTELY absolutely!

I pray people keep this in mind.

There will come the day when we will face China - and we will need the UK, Australia and Russia with us - same as WW11 -

[Tailgunner Joe]

Putin says criticism "well-meaning" - "We consider such comments well-meaning - even if a bit critical, opinion from the outside will help rather than harm us."