September 6, 2008, 19:33 Confrontation is not our choice - Medvedev
Russia would welcome the prospect of improved relations with the West, but President Dmitry Medvedev has warned that it would not bow to external political pressure. The comments were made at the State Council meeting of Russia’s regions in the Kremlin, where the effort to reconstruct war-ravaged parts of South Ossetia was on the agenda. The President also noted that Russia is planning to step up security measures within its own territory. Medvedev said to the leaders of the Russian regions that there is no way to describe the crisis other than as war. “The tragedy in South Ossetia showed that there are still reckless politicians whose actions are a threat to international law and order,” he said. “We have seen how a local frozen conflict turns into a major crisis with grave humanitarian consequences.” Medvedev added that Russia doesn’t want any kind of confrontation with western nations, many of which currently criticise Russia for its actions in South Ossetia and Georgia. The President reiterated that after Georgia launched its attack against South Ossetia in August, Russia had no other option than to defend its own citizens and the civilians of South Ossetia. He said: “I would like to repeat. We didn’t want this war. We were forced to answer Georgia’s aggression. There isn’t a single country in the world that would tolerate its citizens and peacekeepers being killed. Russia was obliged to save the people.” And commenting on the fact that NATO launched major support for Georgia by sending humanitarian cargo by warships, Medvedev said it would be interesting to see what NATO’s reaction would be if Russia sent its warships to the Caribbean to help the nations hit by the recent hurricane. “We didn’t get a word of support from those who, in similar circumstances, were speaking lots about freedom of choice, national dignity and use of force to punish aggressors. Unfortunately these countries continue to arm the Georgian regime under the flag of humanitarian aid.” http://www.russiatoday.com/news/news/30039
