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Putin calls for
stability in Balkans ATHENS - Russian President
Vladimir Putin called on the international community Thursday to crack
down on militants in the Balkans seeking to use force to press political
demands.
"Any peace is better than war," Putin said after meeting his Greek counterpart, Costis Stephanopoulos, at the beginning of a two-day visit. "And the fact that they are not shooting there today is also good. But in my opinion, it could be better." Over recent years, both Macedonia and the neighboring Yugoslav province of Kosovo have seen fighting between ethnic Albanian rebels and government forces. International peacekeepers now patrol Kosovo, while a Western-brokered peace deal is gradually being implemented in Macedonia. Russia is considered an important ally by Macedonians and Serbs in Yugoslavia. "It would be better if the international community was harder and more persistent toward those who try to solve political problems with the help of guns," Putin said. "Because some have not lost such desires." Low-level violence has persisted in Macedonia despite the peace deal and a tenuous cease-fire. In Kosovo, the Serb minority lives in enclaves protected by peacekeepers for fear of attack by ethnic Albanians. Another Balkan issue - potentially lucrative energy corridors - also took center stage in talks between Greek officials and the Russian delegation. One of the main points of discussion is a proposed oil pipeline that would link the Aegean and Black Seas through Bulgaria. It would allow Russia to export oil through the Black Sea and bypass the crowded and dangerous Bosporus in Turkey. The six-year-old project has been stalled by a wide range of technical and economic disputes and doubts about its efficiency. Greece and Russia were also discussing increasing natural gas supplies through a pipeline that began operations in 1999. The gas is supplied by Russia's Gazprom, and its chief, Alexei Miller, is part of the delegation in Greece. There are plans for natural gas pipelines stretching across the Balkans. Last year, and Greece and neighboring Turkey agreed to work together for new pipelines connecting Europe to the oil and gas-rich Caspian Sea region. Another member of Putin's delegation is the chief executive officer of Lukoil, Vagit Alekperov. Russia's largest oil producer and Greece's Latsis Group earlier this year expressed joint interest for a 30 percent stake in Hellenic Petroleum, the country's largest refiner. The Latsis Group is a majority shareholder in Petrola Hellas, the country's third largest refinery operation with 25 percent of the country's capacity. Russian companies "are ready to participate in the liberalization of Greece's energy market," Putin said. Discussions also touched on cooperation in the arms procurement sector. Greece is one of the largest NATO purchasers of Russian weapons systems. "We do not seek to play some particular role in Greece arms procurement," Putin said. "We simply hope that Russian companies can take part in the tenders of the sale of certain armaments in Greece." Greece has purchased numerous anti-aircraft systems. Although Russia's chances are slim, it is interested in supplying Greece with more than 30 transport helicopters and 246 main battle tanks. Other issues discussed included relations between Russia and the European Union - of which Greece will hold the rotating presidency in 2003 shortly before the 15-nation bloc expands eastwards. Athens may also seek Russian support for a non-permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council in 2005. The two country's delegations signed agreements for cooperation in the sectors of energy, combating crime, air transportation, merchant marine, culture and science. Putin is the first Russian president to visit Greece since Boris Yeltsin in 1993. He is to spend Saturday in northern Greece, including a private visit to the 1,000-year-old monastic community of Mount Athos. The two presidents also reportedly exchanged gifts they may have little use for. Officials said Stephanopoulos gave Putin a silver cigarette case, while the Russian president presented a silver brandy set. Neither leader smokes, they both drink little, and exercise daily. |
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