Russia: Kosovo, Missile Defense Mark 'Red Line' In Foreign Policy
September 3, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says U.S.
missile defense and Kosovo are two "red-line" issues where the Kremlin will not
agree to compromise.
Speaking at the first day of classes at the Moscow State Institute for
International Relations (MGIMO), Lavrov said Russia's foreign partners "must
realize" that Moscow "is not trying to bargain."
He told potential future policymakers that global security depends first and
foremost on balance. And Russia, Lavrov stressed, was prepared to continue what
he called its "balancing role" in world affairs.
"There's only one formula for balance in international affairs, and that is
peaceful coexistence, reliance on international law, collective security, and
the political and diplomatic settlement of conflicts," Lavrov said.
'Balancing Role'
"These basic principles are founded in the UN Charter," he added. "Russia will
continue to play a balancing role in global affairs. It will never be party to
any new Holy Alliance against anyone."
Part of Russia's balancing role, Lavrov said, is its refusal to cross the "red
line" on two key issues -- U.S. missile defense and Kosovo.
Russia and its ally Serbia oppose a UN plan to give Kosovo a form
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of supervised independence from Belgrade.
Moscow has also strongly
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objected to U.S. plans to host parts of a missile-defense shield in Poland
and the Czech Republic, saying the plans are a threat to its security.
'Trilateral Framework'
The Russian foreign minister urged better Euro-Atlantic interaction to resolve
such issues.
"Trilateral mutual understanding" between the United States, the European
Union, and Russia would benefit dialogue on both Kosovo and missile defense, he
said.
Lavrov did not limit his proposed partnerships to Euro-Atlantic links, however.
He also stressed Moscow's burgeoning three-way ties with India and China, as
well as its deepening interaction with groups like the Organization of the
Islamic Conference, the Arab League, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Lavrov said the world is facing threats that "cannot be personalized or
associated with specific states.
