>X-Sender: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Unverified) >Subject: Granma: Political dialogue with Putin >subject: Granma: Political dialogue with Putin. > © Copyright. 1996-2000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. GRANMA INTERNATIONAL/ >ONLINE EDITION - December 18, 2000 > > Political dialogue paves way for economic cooperation >¥ Wreath for national hero Jose Mart'i >¥ Tour of Biotechnology Center ¥ Rest in Varadero > > BY MIREYA CASTANEDA (Granma International staff writer) >Putin, president of the Russian Federation, affirmed that one of the >results of his official visit to Cuba is the reactivation of >political dialogue which is paving the way for economic cooperation. > The Russian head of state gave an anxiously awaited press 10th >conference in just a half an hour, due to the pressures of a Ibero- >American tight agenda; immediately afterwards he was to leave for a >tour of the Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Center. > > Putin arrived at the press conference in a room at the Palace of >(available only the Revolution, after placing a wreath at the Jose >Marti monument and touring the memorial dedicated to the life of the >Cuban national hero. > The dialogue began with the almost obligatory question as to >Putin's general appraisal of the results of his official visit at >the invitation of President Fidel Castro. > >The Russian leader said that although he had previously spoken on >that aspect, he could offer further details. > >"Unfortunately, in recent years relations with Cuba have been > >characterized by political and economic stagnation," he stated > >directly, "but I would say that this visit is the first step in > >activating bilateral dialogue in both spheres, as well as to > >facilitate Russia's relations with Latin America, where many > >countries wish to see a more active position on our part," he > >observed, in reference to the current unipolar world. > >"I would like to note that there are no problems between Russia and >Cuba in the political sphere; on the contrary, they are close in >terms of international solutions," Putin emphasized. > >In the context of economic relations, the Russian president spoke of >the need to appreciate the legacy of some years back, in a clear >reference to the Soviet stage, commenting that there are still many >problems dating from that period to be solved. > >He noted that an analysis was needed of what to do with >unfinished projects in which millions of dollars have been invested, >giving the example of the Juraguay nuclear energy plant, where >"Russia has invested $30 million USD just for its conservation. We >have to discuss whether our investment will be for maintenance or to >make it fully operational," he commented. > >Continuing on the economic theme, the Russian president stated that >they are disposed to assess new possibilities like >telecommunications. > > THE DEBT WILL BE RESOLVED IN A SPIRIT OF FRIENDSHIP > >Asked about the Cuban debt with Russia, Putin responded that the > >issue is in the hands of experts and, while it has not been >resolved as yet, this will take place in a spirit of friendship. > >He added that there is a willingness to offer Cuba the most >beneficial payment plan within international norms. > >The previous afternoon the Russian leader, accompanied by >President Fidel Castro, visited the Electronics Operations >Center. Also taking part in the tour were Marshal Igor Sergeev, > >who is Russian defense minister, and General of the Army Ra¦l > >Castro. > >The base has been functioning for some time now and does so in > >line with international standards, Putin noted, going on to say > >that it is an information center servicing Russia's defense >system and, to an extent, Cuba's as well, and as it is >functioning well, both countries have agreed to maintain it. > >A Canadian journalist had two questions for Putin, the first on > >what she perceived as a Russian-Cuban alliance against the United > >States and another on his imminent visit to Canada. > >"I regret that your analysis is misdirected," Putin >replied incisively, "because Russia and Cuba have no alliance >whatsoever against any third country." > >In relation to the United States, he explained that known >discrepancies do exist, reiterating as examples attempts to >change the anti-ballistic missile defense treaty, matters related > >to international security, that Russia and Cuba do not consider > >the concept of humanitarian intervention as correct, and the need > >to take into account the issue of poor countries, so as to attain > >a balance in the current world. > >In response to the second question, Putin said that Canada is a > >neighboring country in the northern hemisphere with which Russia > >shares problems and maintains a positive dialogue, although trade > >relations are as yet insufficient. > >A large group of Russian journalists accompanied the official > >delegation that traveled with President Putin, and they made use > >of the press conference to discuss national issues, among them > >the new budget ("passing it is a positive sign, the important > >thing is to fulfill it"), the restructuring of the energy system ("I >start from the belief that it has to be done, but with care"), >averting capital flight ("not by coercive measures, but by >encouraging investment"), and relations with the United States > >after the sentencing of U.S. spy Edmond Pope ("counterintelligence >services should not affect interstate relations, above all between >Russia and the United States"). > >At the conclusion of a press conference almost at the end of his >official visit-he was to have a brief rest at the Varadero beach >resort-the president of the Russian Federation reiterated his >satisfaction at the reactivated political and economic dialogue >with Cuba. > © Copyright. 1996-2000. 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