31Aug08

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Medvedev spells out five principles of Russian foreign policy

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Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has declared five principles of the Russian foreign policy following the recognition of independent South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

"While implementing the Russian foreign policy, I will be guided with five principles," Medvedev told three Russian television channels at his Bocharov Ruchei residence in Sochi on Sunday. He had come to Sochi for a number of domestic and international meetings.

First of all, Russia recognizes the supremacy of international legal fundamentals, which define relations between civilized nations, Medvedev said.

"Secondly, the world must be multi-polar. Single polarity is unacceptable," he said. "Russia cannot accept a world order, in which any decisions will be made by a sole nation, even such a serious one as the United States. Such a world order will be unstable and fraught with conflicts."

Thirdly, Russia does not want a confrontation with any country, Medvedev said. "Russia does not want isolation. We will develop as much as possible friendly relations with Europe, the United States and other countries of the world," he said.

The protection of life and dignity of Russian citizens "no matter where they live" is an absolute priority, Medvedev said. "We will also stand up for the interests of our business community abroad. Everyone must know that an aggression will be deterred," he said.

The fifth principle is Russia’s interests in friendly regions, Medvedev said. "The same as other countries, Russia has areas of privileged interests. These areas house countries, to which we are linked with friendly ties," he said, adding that he implied not only neighboring countries.

As for the future development of diplomatic relations, Medvedev said, that would depend not only on Russia but also "on our friends, partners and the international community at large." "They have a choice," the president remarked.

[Source: Itar Tass, Bocharov Ruchei, Sochi, 31Aug08]

The Question of South Ossetia

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