Well, I guess this clears up that question.
"We support all initiatives to develop dialogue between civilisations. This is also the objective of the World Summit of Religious Leaders that will take place soon in Moscow."
Will the Ayatollah attend? After all the UN's "Alliance of Civilizations" was an Iranian initiative.
"We in no way call into question the right of our neighbours, the CIS countries, to act independently at home and on the international stage. It would be stupid to suspect Russia of such a thing when it was Russia that initiated giving them independence in the first place."
It was? Russia "gave" them independence? Does Putin think this was a good thing, or rather "the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the twentieth century?"
"We see the example of a number of CIS countries where attempts to ignore the centuries-old ties that have developed between our peoples results in the threat of the emergence of weak and dependent state formations that are unable to act independently."
Wrong. You see that ties between they and the US eliminate their dependency on Russia and allow them to act in their own interests rather than Russia's.
"The countries of Latin America and Africa are playing an ever more active part in the global processes underway, confirming that the time of exclusive ‘zones of influence’ is now a thing of the past."
Except for Russia's "zones of influence" right, Vlad?
"The countries of Latin America and Africa are playing an ever more active part in the global processes underway, confirming that the time of exclusive ‘zones of influence’ is now a thing of the past."
Except for Russia's "zones of influence" right, Vlad?"
Reminded me of a call back to the times of the "Non-aligned" and the battle to influence them during the Cold War. Problem for Russia is the only inroads they can make in either continent are only with thugs who want Russian arms. I imagine if they were honest about it they can't be too thrilled.
Regardless, I see this whole speech and proposed "foreign policy" direction a bit out of their league and way too early. As some in the States have overestimated Russia's strength, I'm afraid the Russians are starting to believe it too. HUGE mistake. Best they resolve the issues at home - rampant drug addiction, high infant mortality rate, low birth rate, and rotting military and infrastructure.
"Russia does not want confrontation of any kind. And we will not take part in any kind of ‘holy alliance’."
Well, I guess this clears up that question.==
Accually it means that Russia won't be in WOT against Islam. Or with America against China.
Putin wants to make money from all sides. I honestly don't know how it wise.