Schroeder Pushes for Closer Relations Between EU and Russia With Putin

[NNN0LHI]

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBD5KD1E7E.html

Schroeder Pushes for Closer Relations Between EU and Russia During Putin Visit

HANOVER, Germany (AP) - German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said Sunday the European Union wants a long-term economic relationship with Russia and hopes to cement it at a summit in May.

In building ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Schroeder has favored pressing him discreetly over his increasing control over Russian business and politics as opposed to the United States' blunter approach.

"To foster security and prosperity in Europe and beyond, Russia and the European Union must work together closely and, in particular within the European Union, Germany must work closer and closer with Russia," Schroeder said at a trade fair in Hanover, where he greeted the Russian leader warmly. He noted that Germany is Russia's top trade partner.

Putin sought to allay investor fears, meanwhile, saying speculation that the country would revise its privatization program was "groundless." He also said he was forging ahead with reforms.

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Sounds like Germany may be getting tired of being occupied by America too?

[acmavm]

1. Occupied or not, everybody's getting damn sick and tired of America.

.

[aneerkoinos]

2. Realpolitik

Europe is dependent on Russian energy resources. From USA we get only worthless dollars. Wisdom starts with accepting the facts.

[Judi Lynn]

3. We didn't believe him when he said he's a "uniter."

Now he's out to prove it to us. He has the rest of the world moving closer together than ever.

[RogueTrooper]

4. Not everybody in the EU wants closer ties with Russia

particularly the EU members who want to sell the Chinese military equipment.

Not everything in the world is done to spite George W. Bush and the United States.

[Stockholm]

5. Closer ties with Russia is not necessarily connected to chinese arms.

If it were, those people would probably be in favour of closer ties as well. More weapons in China means Russia must modernize etc.

What is more in focus in Europe is Russias slide backwards. Democracy or the lack of it is starting to worry European countries. To be able to influence them it is better to forge close ties.

So I guess I concur with your second point.