Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder said Monday that it was "foolish" to think Europe could reduce its dependence on Russian oil and gas, even while he insisted Russia was a reliable energy supplier. "One should not pretend that there is a reliable alternative to Russia," said Schröder, now an executive at a subsidiary of Gazprom, at the start of a two-day investment conference organized by Renaissance Capital. "Mutual dependency can create trust between Russia and Europe. Europeans know that there is no truly reliable alternative to Russia as an energy partner," Schröder said. The interdependence of Russian energy suppliers and European consumers is a theme frequently struck by President Vladimir Putin. Schröder, however, added a confrontational note to the proceedings, saying, "Europe should not pretend that Russians have to be grateful for being allowed to supply oil and gas to Europe."
"One should not pretend that there is a reliable alternative to Russia," said Schröder, now an executive at a subsidiary of Gazprom, at the start of a two-day investment conference organized by Renaissance Capital.
"Mutual dependency can create trust between Russia and Europe. Europeans know that there is no truly reliable alternative to Russia as an energy partner," Schröder said.
The interdependence of Russian energy suppliers and European consumers is a theme frequently struck by President Vladimir Putin. Schröder, however, added a confrontational note to the proceedings, saying, "Europe should not pretend that Russians have to be grateful for being allowed to supply oil and gas to Europe."
Which may be true, but does not particularly invite trust. guaranteed to evoke a violent reaction from police is to challenge their right to "define the situation." --- David Graeber citing Marc Cooper
But you have paid more attention to German politics during his tenure so have other reasons. guaranteed to evoke a violent reaction from police is to challenge their right to "define the situation." --- David Graeber citing Marc Cooper
Though it means I have to use a UK keyboard setting rather than an Irish one because the Irish keyboard only has the Irish accents directly.
A meditation semi-guru I knew in Sri Lanka once told me, I quote:
"Bliss is waking up in the morning and not remembering what you did the day before."
I quote him anytime someone complains that I should remember the physics and maths I once learned.
