Putin Says Russia Will Check EU on Rights

[CHIMO]

Source: The Moscow Times.com

President Vladimir Putin told European leaders that he was planning to set up a think tank for freedom and democracy in the very heart of the European Union.

The proposal, which seemed designed to turn the tables on countries that have criticized Russia on human rights and democracy issues, caused some consternation at the EU-Russia summit Friday, when the Kremlin's top aide flatly denied that the Europeans would be allowed to play any role in the institution.

Putin said the center was to be opened in Brussels or another European capital, adding that the aim was to counter Western nongovernmental organizations' activities in his country.

"With the aid of grants, the EU helps develop such institutes in Russia," he told reporters after the summit in Mafra, Portugal. "I think the time has come for Russia, given the growth in our financial capabilities, to make its contribution in this sphere as well."



Read more: http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2007/10/29/002.html

[unkachuck]

1. translation....

"I think the time has come for Russia, given the growth in our financial capabilities, to make its contribution in this sphere as well."

....we can now afford to spread our operatives around, just like you....

[DRoseDARs]

2. Will there ever be a day when Russia DOESN'T whine like a petulant child?

Every single time Russia is in the news it's either because something has crashed, something has sunk, something has exploded, or their government is acting like they give a shit about Democracy, the environment, and/or playing ball with the international community ... usually in the form of a whine or a complaint.

Putin, shut the Hell up and grow up. One moron as leader of a superpower (past or current) is bad enough. The world doesn't need and can't afford two. :eyes:

[Crayson]

3. Smart move

Russia is waking up. They're definitely back as a global player.
They are not taking shit anymore and they actually don't need any financial help anymore the way the have a stranglehold on energie ressources right now.

[Bread and Circus]

5. o.O

:eyes:

[robcon]

4. A Stalinist move.

Very shrewd

[TheLastMohican]

6. + 5 to Putin's resolve

"In your face! Holy macro."

Putin is giving some of the medicine's taste back to the arrogant euro bureaucrats.

And no, don't think much about oil and gas if you don't want any. That Transsiberian pipeline to China is being constructed at the rate of 1000 km a year. Soon the euros will be in line asking to divert some of those precious resources away from gobbling China.