David Miliband

Foreign Secretary

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Wednesday 01 October, 2008

UNGA Re-Cap 5: Russia: Hard-headed engagement

Russia’s differences with the UK over Georgia are well known. I saw President Saakashvili in New York on Saturday. All eyes are on compliance with the cease fire plan, the entry of European peace monitors, support for the Georgian economy and the Geneva talks on long term resolution of the issues starting mid October.

My meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov included Georgia on its agenda. But we also found common ground on the Middle East and the Iranian nuclear programme. Russia remains important in both. A serious, businesslike half an hour.

Posted at 14:20 01 October 2008 by David Miliband  |  Comments[6]

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Just as the whole world relies on America to progress the international agenda, so too do we rely on Russia in order to protect international interests. What annoys me though is how journalists here have banged on about America and Britain "needing" Russia to stop Iran's nuclear program. It's true - we do need Russia. But the idea that Russia should agree to pressure Iran as a "favour" to the U.S. and Europe is ridiculous. It's just as equally in Russia's interests to prevent Iran producing a nuclear warhead as it is in Britain's and America's. Russia is closer in proximity to Iran than us and I'm pretty sure Russia doesn't want an unstable neighbour possessing nuclear weapons. Russia is a partner and not an enemy. Sure there are disagreements. But we still rely on each other for international security. I am glad the Foreign Secretary recognises that.

Posted by Justin on October 01, 2008 at 05:31 PM BST #

Excellent... No Comments!

Posted by George on October 01, 2008 at 11:49 PM BST #

Does someone think that bloody predator Russia is a reliable partner ? I would recommend to start searching for its former and present president's illegal assets hidden at the West. Those people are the real criminals and we must treat them like we treat the mob.

Posted by Stan Lop on October 02, 2008 at 02:43 AM BST #

"Unless the government is on your side, you end up on your own". Oh dear David.

Posted by Francis on October 02, 2008 at 02:24 PM BST #

great post, cant understand the people disagreeing, keep it up david

Posted by NFL-Jersey-UK on October 07, 2008 at 09:41 AM BST #

Truly David Miliband vs Goliath Lavrov Story! O David - Knight of light, fight for justice, honor and glory! Mr Lavrov, who was promoted under Mr Putin, has developed a reputation as the fearsome face of Russia's aggressive foreign policy. When he held the position as Russia's man at the UN in NY he developed a reputation as fierce critic of other nations. But Russia is in no position to lecture the world. Lavrov couldn't win an argument, so he resorted to obsentities. Nothing though or macho about it. It merely shows he's weak and incompetent. It's ok for Russians to comment on others history but when anybody else tries to comment on imperial Russias precious history then they are out of order, sounds like double standards. What the *** does history have to do with it? Russia invaded Georgia in 1801, 1921, 1993, 2008 and still has troops in parts of the nation, which are internationally recognized as part of Georgia. Russia is the text book definition of what it means to be imperialist, it has the blood and pillaging of the Georgians, Polonians, Ungarians, and many others.

Posted by G on November 05, 2008 at 03:06 AM GMT #

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