Putin to tout growth at G8 summit

MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin flies to next week's summit of the G8 group of industrialised nations in Canada aiming to prove Russia has a bigger world role to play than merely supporting Washington's war on terrorism.

Putin will attend nearly all events at the June 27-28 summit at Kananaskis in the Rocky Mountains, underscoring what Russian officials say is vast progress in 10 years of post-Soviet change and a remarkable turnaround from a 1998 economic collapse.

The Kremlin leader, visibly proud that the body is now named G8 to reflect Russia's full-fledged membership, will seek his partners' help to secure a place in other bodies, particularly membership of the World Trade Organisation.

And having hosted a high-profile summit with U.S. President George W. Bush and overseen Russian membership of a new 20-member Russia-NATO council, he will press home Moscow's dream of hosting a G8 summit - as all members do on a rotating basis.

Sergei Rogov, head of the USA-Canada Institute, said G8 was important as Moscow remained outside NATO, the European Union and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.

"This meeting clearly demonstrates that Russia is perceived as a member of the Western community," Rogov said by telephone.

"But there has been little progress in the economic field compared to military-political questions. The main issue here is integrating Russia into the global economy. So the issues on the economic agenda are the important ones."

The Kananaskis agenda includes Bush's war on terrorism, backed unequivocally by Putin since the airline attacks on the United States, strengthening the global economy and - at Canadian urging - an aid plan for Africa.

Starting with Putin's predecessor Boris Yeltsin, Russian leaders have become reconciled to a reduced role in tackling world issues, but liked consorting with members of an exclusive club in formulating a common stand on political issues.

"Putin has set down the political framework for Russia," said Boris Makarenko, deputy head of the Centre for Political Technologies think tank. "He can now afford to go ahead with discussions on economic issues."

Tough lobbying prompted both the United States and the European Union to grant "market economy" to Russia, a move that will ease trade barriers for Russian goods.

Russia has portrayed itself as a reliable energy supplier given the volatility of the Middle East. Putin and Bush agreed to consider increased shipments to the United States and YUKOS , Russia's second largest oil company, has already sent a large crude carrier to the United States.

Joining WTO appears a tougher aim despite assurances from its head Mike Moore, that this could happen next year. Talks on Russian accession this week bogged down over liberalisation of sectors like banking, insurance and telecommunications.

He acknowledges that one in four Russians lives below the poverty line and urges ministers to abandon what he derides as modest growth targets of four percent and press for performances liable to vault Russia into the same league as western Europe.

As Russia is solidly moving into the Western fold- where it has always been in spirit- the Islamic world begin to shudder. Good.

OHHH Stavka let good time roll baby

OHH YEAH Illya come on down to Economic summit tell EU what you crazy Russians up too honey

ALRIGHT RACK ILLYA

Sergei Rogov, head of the USA-Canada Institute, said G8 was important as Moscow remained outside NATO, the European Union and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Better steer clear of that, or else Russia will fall back into it's old ways.

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.