Russia is to deploy new missiles in a Baltic enclave near Nato member Poland, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev says. Short-range Iskander missiles in the Kaliningrad region would "neutralise" the planned US anti-missile shield in Poland and the Czech Republic, he said. The US says its shield is a defence against missiles from "rogue" nations, but Moscow sees it as a direct threat. Mr Medvedev also said he wanted to extend Russia's presidential term to six years from the current four. He did not explain if he wanted to extend his own term, or change the rules for his successor. There has long been speculation that Mr Medvedev is a stop-gap so that Prime Minister Putin - who served the maximum two consecutive terms - can return to the top job, correspondents say.
Russia is to deploy new missiles in a Baltic enclave near Nato member Poland, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev says.
Short-range Iskander missiles in the Kaliningrad region would "neutralise" the planned US anti-missile shield in Poland and the Czech Republic, he said.
The US says its shield is a defence against missiles from "rogue" nations, but Moscow sees it as a direct threat.
Mr Medvedev also said he wanted to extend Russia's presidential term to six years from the current four.
He did not explain if he wanted to extend his own term, or change the rules for his successor.
There has long been speculation that Mr Medvedev is a stop-gap so that Prime Minister Putin - who served the maximum two consecutive terms - can return to the top job, correspondents say.
The Russian president said in his address: - Georgia's military offensive on South Ossetia was a consequence of policies unilaterally followed by the U.S. administration - Russia will push for reforms to global political and economic systems ... - urged a switch to the ruble in payments for gas and oil supplies
- Georgia's military offensive on South Ossetia was a consequence of policies unilaterally followed by the U.S. administration - Russia will push for reforms to global political and economic systems ... - urged a switch to the ruble in payments for gas and oil supplies
will that have an effect on the dollar? ~Government budget deficits are not nearly as dangerous as the deficits we have created in vital and complex natural systems.~ Naomi Klein.
Trade is in US$ and euros, plus for existing long term contracts and for private companies government can not set trade currency guidelines/conditions; but for new deals negotiated on the government level it makes sense to switch to rubles and counterparty's currency.
It will not affect dollar materially, as entire annual Russian exports are only at 350+ bln $ and a small fraction of this amount is going to be affected several years into the future. Moreover, it is being read as an anti-US move, which it is not, just one of the moves towards better convertibility of the ruble.
Might it be that Obama thinks he has to act "bad ass" in order to not appear weak on foreign policy?
Thus Obama may be worse for the Russians than Bush. And I'll give my consent to any government that does not deny a man a living wage-Billy Bragg
Medvedev's omission could be a serious sign. Russia might be comfortable enough with continuation of Bush's power doctrines. How much will Obama dare?
Capitalism searches out the darkest corners of human potential, and mainlines them.
However, it is interesting to think, how much racist shades Russian rulers may have.
Early guesses for Obama are that he is going to continue misguided US policies in the region: Biden is raving against Russia as it demonstrates his "toughness", and with people like McFaul and Brzezinski advising Obama, there is little hope for a change here.
Not a single world leader is mentioned by name. Why make exception for Obama?
It's, actually, a longstanding official Russian position - Russia will work with whoever is a recognized authority in a particular country. After Jan 21st, Obama will be the recognized US President, and Russia will work with him. What else should be said?
just sayin' ~Government budget deficits are not nearly as dangerous as the deficits we have created in vital and complex natural systems.~ Naomi Klein.
