Russia offers brotherly respect, not fatherly lectures: Medvedev

[Lite Beer]

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Russia offers brotherly respect, not fatherly lectures: Medvedev

BANGKOK: -- The Russian PM discusses arms sales and nuclear energy development for Thailand in the second half of his interview with Nation Multimedia Group chairman Suthichai Yoon

SY : HOW HAS THE RECENT COUP IN THAILAND INFLUENCED BILATERAL RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA? THE EU AND THE UNITED STATES HAVE DENOUNCED IT, WHILE CHINA HAS SHOWN UNDERSTANDING AND OTHER ASEAN COUNTRIES HAVE EXPRESSED SYMPATHY. WHAT DOES RUSSIA THINK ABOUT THE CHANGE OF REGIME IN THAILAND AND ABOUT THE NEW GOVERNMENT?

DM : You know, we try to be civilised in all circumstances. Regarding the ongoing events in Thailand, they are your country's internal affairs. We approach them with understanding and respect.

On the other hand, some countries get really worked up about events in countries across the globe. I think the concern is excessive and the lecturing is unnecessary. Sovereign countries must deal with their problems independently. Both Russia and Thailand can deal with our problems ourselves - we with our friends and partners in the West, and you with your partners in Asean and in the West. I think we should get back to the foundational principles of international law - excuse the legalese, but I was trained as a lawyer, after all - and this will be the best formula to follow in international affairs.

SY: I'VE NOTICED THAT YOUR GOVERNMENT IS ACTIVE IN ASIA, ESPECIALLY SOUTH ASIA. DOES THIS REPRESENT SOME KIND OF AN EFFORT TO COUNTER US INFLUENCE IN THE REGION?

DM : Unlike a number of other countries, Russia has had friendly relations with these countries for almost 120 years. We have advanced relations with Asia-Pacific countries. After all, we're neighbours! Thailand is a little farther from Russia compared to China, with which we share a long border. Russia has maintained friendly ties with a number of other countries as well… The same goes for the Soviet era, although back then cooperation was based on the ideology that, if you start building socialism, then we'll provide assistance. That's not what we want. Every country should be free to establish a system chosen by its people.

By the way, I think the advantage of your country, and the reason why many people love it, is to some extent based on the fact that Thailand was never under colonial rule. You were able to maintain your identity and culture, which can be seen everywhere. When you go to a standardised country, where the signs are not in the native language and all the restaurants and museums are the same as everywhere else, it's not interesting. Your country is very distinctive and true to its roots. I think the fact that you've been able to preserve this identity is very valuable and important. For this reason, while it is true that Russia is proactively developing relations with Southeast Asia and Asean countries, we are not copying anyone or acting to spite anyone, neither the Americans, nor the Europeans. We have always acted this way, and will continue to, even more so moving forward. We have taken a number of very important decisions in this respect, including, for instance, to develop cooperation with Southeast Asia in energy and transport. We have signed major contracts on the delivery of our oil and gas to China, and we can also supply our energy resources to other countries in Southeast Asia. An agreement on road junctions and transport links has been signed. We are ready to discuss such major projects as the construction of nuclear power stations, which we build across the globe. I came here from Vietnam, where we discussed this matter with our Vietnamese colleagues. If Thailand decides at a certain point to develop nuclear energy, we are ready to help. And there are many more examples.

SY : DOES THAT MEAN YOU'RE INTERESTED IN |HELPING THAILAND BUILD A NUCLEAR POWER STATION?

DM : It is a decision, a choice to be made. Obviously, nuclear energy requires utmost attention. It's an issue that is taken very seriously after Fukushima. I'll tell you, first, that it's viewed very seriously in Russia, especially in the aftermath of the 1986 accident in Chernobyl. Second, the reactors we currently use are based on different principles. And third, this is perhaps the least expensive energy source, no matter how you look at it.

SY : YOU ALSO HAVE STATE-OF-THE-ART WEAPONS. ARE YOU PREPARED TO DISCUSS, FOR EXAMPLE, THE PURCHASE OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS FROM THAILAND AND THE SALE OF HELICOPTERS, TANKS AND SUBMARINES TO IT?

DM : Of course. If needed, we'll supply tanks and other types of equipment. As you know, Russia is a major arms exporter. We have no misgivings about it, because states will have armies regardless. No one is willing to disarm just for the sake of disarming. In any event, to be respected, you must have sufficient armed forces. Therefore, if you take these decisions, we'll be pleased to supply the equipment, even taking into account the fact that Thailand traditionally has been oriented to Western suppliers. Our weapons are no worse than theirs.

SY : YES, I KNOW, AND THEY ARE CHEAPER.

DM : Some types are certainly cheaper.

SY : THE BIG QUESTION IS, HOW WILL THINGS END IN UKRAINE? IS A PEACEFUL SOLUTION POSSIBLE?

DM : A peaceful and negotiated end is possible. For us, it's a very difficult and painful subject, because we have a close affinity with the people of Ukraine. Regrettably, the nation is divided, and events have occurred in Ukraine that we cannot support for various reasons. But they must restore their country on their own. By themselves. The Kiev authorities and Ukraine must do all they can to keep the country united and encourage the regions that have, in effect, seceded from the central government to return. But the necessary conditions must be created for that, and it ought to be explained to them why they will be better off as part of a united Ukraine. Only the authorities in Kiev can do this. Naturally, we'll seek to help this process along, but we won't interfere. At the same time, we can't be indifferent when we see that people are hungry and lack medicine there. This is why we are sending humanitarian convoys to southeast Ukraine. But this is about all we can do in this situation.

SY : HOW DO YOU KEEP FIT AND FRESH AFTER A LONG DAY OF MEETING WITH THE PRIME MINISTER AND BUSINESS LEADERS? I'VE HEARD THAT YOU SWIM ALMOST EVERY DAY.

DM : I try to swim and I try to do that every day. I cycle. Whenever I have the opportunity, I also do mountain skiing. Come to Sochi, we have wonderful snow there.

SY : I'VE HEARD THAT YOU ALSO DO YOGA.

DM : Yes, but I'm not a serious practitioner. I take some yoga lessons just to relax and experience spiritual practice a bit.

SY : I'VE ALSO HEARD THAT YOU LIKE ROCK MUSIC VERY MUCH, ESPECIALLY BRITISH BANDS DEEP PURPLE AND PINK FLOYD.

DM : Yes, I have them in my record collection. I like to listen to all this music, but on vinyl discs, as I used to do 35 years ago.

SY : WHAT ABOUT THE INCIDENT WITH YOUR NEIGHBOUR? I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU WERE A |NEIGHBOUR OF FORMER PRESIDENT MIKHAIL GORBACHEV AND THAT YOU HAD A CAT THAT FOUGHT WITH HIS CAT.

DM : Everything is fine. Mr Gorbachev is an elderly person, and I would hope that nothing disturb his peace, not even a cat or a dog. I used to be his neighbour, but I moved residence after I became president.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Russia-offers-brotherly-respect-not-fatherly-lectu-30257839.html

-- The Nation 2015-04-11

[BSJ]

The interview is flawed.....they didn't discuss the breakfast menu!

[ezzra]

Tell that to the Crimean and the Ukraine people, and the west, for over running and seizing

territories, and scare flying your jets over Nato air space... Mr Medvedev....how are you kidding

there sir?

[oneday]

[tbthailand]

as a fellow authoritarian state, they are indeed brothers of the current regime.

[zydeco]

So the people that brought you Chernobyl want to build a nuclear power plant in Thailand, a country that can't keep its obsolete trains on their tracks.

[Dannyboy666]

A Disgrace by Thailand Politics, Courting this Scum, Desperation

[JOC]

Nuclear power and Thailand??

Remember Tom Lehrer: "We will all go together, when we go".............

[robblok]

Its only logical.. when the EU and US start to bully Thailand for having a junta other countries will take their place. China and Russia are winning because of the stupidity from the EU and US. But the EU and US have decided that having people killed in the street by red terrorists was better as having a junta and now they loose out on opportunities.

Can't say I did not see this coming.

[bruceybonus]

Jeez the Thai guy could do with some new clothes!

[JOC]

A Disgrace by Thailand Politics, Courting this Scum, Desperation

A disgrace by Russian Politics, Courting this Scum, Desperation

[jerojero]

Big brother! Same as oppressive father!

[JOC]

Russia helping Thailand with nuclear power, a little like:

[Srikcir]

During Russia's 120 years relationship with Thailand, let's not forget the respectful communist insurgency in Thailand lasting from 1965 to 1983. While superficially Russia is now more of an oilgarchy led by billionaires like Putin than a communist nation, Putin's revival of the soviet imperialism is no less threatening to the world democracies. Of course the government of Thailand now being an oligarchy instead of a democracy makes a partnership between the Junta-led government and Russia more politically palatable.

Unfortunately, the People of Thailand who have lost their sovereignty to the Junta have no say in any of the Junta's foreign partnerships. But no doubt we will begin to see "surveys" showing a super majority of those polled favor Russian and Chinese security and economic partnerships. Be Happy Everyone.

[robblok]

During Russia's 120 years relationship with Thailand, let's not forget the respectful communist insurgency in Thailand lasting from 1965 to 1983. While superficially Russia is now more of an oilgarchy led by billionaires like Putin than a communist nation, Putin's revival of the soviet imperialism is no less threatening to the world democracies. Of course the government of Thailand now being an oligarchy instead of a democracy makes a partnership between the Junta-led government and Russia more politically palatable.

Unfortunately, the People of Thailand who have lost their sovereignty to the Junta have no say in any of the Junta's foreign partnerships. But no doubt we will begin to see "surveys" showing a super majority of those polled favor Russian and Chinese security and economic partnerships. Be Happy Everyone.

You can blame the EU and US too.. for going for the stick approach instead of the carrot.. no one party to blame here.. maybe blame Thaksin for getting his name on the amnesty list.. without it.. no junta in power.

But it was just stupid of the EU and US to think that Thailand would not look around.

[JOC]

Its only logical.. when the EU and US start to bully Thailand for having a junta other countries will take their place. China and Russia are winning because of the stupidity from the EU and US. But the EU and US have decided that having people killed in the street by red terrorists was better as having a junta and now they loose out on opportunities.

Can't say I did not see this coming.

Yes indeed, shame on US and EU for not supporting a country run by an ex-general with absolute power thanks to Art 44.

Your brainwashed nonsense is getting just a little bit boring................

[zydeco]

During Russia's 120 years relationship with Thailand, let's not forget the respectful communist insurgency in Thailand lasting from 1965 to 1983. While superficially Russia is now more of an oilgarchy led by billionaires like Putin than a communist nation, Putin's revival of the soviet imperialism is no less threatening to the world democracies. Of course the government of Thailand now being an oligarchy instead of a democracy makes a partnership between the Junta-led government and Russia more politically palatable.

Unfortunately, the People of Thailand who have lost their sovereignty to the Junta have no say in any of the Junta's foreign partnerships. But no doubt we will begin to see "surveys" showing a super majority of those polled favor Russian and Chinese security and economic partnerships. Be Happy Everyone.

You can blame the EU and US too.. for going for the stick approach instead of the carrot.. no one party to blame here.. maybe blame Thaksin for getting his name on the amnesty list.. without it.. no junta in power.

But it was just stupid of the EU and US to think that Thailand would not look around.

What stick? The cut off of a few million dollars in military aid, while keeping everything else intact? You'll know the stick when it lands, because that will mean a travel ban, a cut off of Thai exports to the US, no more Cobra Gold at all, and a ban Thai companies doing business in the US, along with Thai banks.

[JOC]

During Russia's 120 years relationship with Thailand, let's not forget the respectful communist insurgency in Thailand lasting from 1965 to 1983. While superficially Russia is now more of an oilgarchy led by billionaires like Putin than a communist nation, Putin's revival of the soviet imperialism is no less threatening to the world democracies. Of course the government of Thailand now being an oligarchy instead of a democracy makes a partnership between the Junta-led government and Russia more politically palatable.

Unfortunately, the People of Thailand who have lost their sovereignty to the Junta have no say in any of the Junta's foreign partnerships. But no doubt we will begin to see "surveys" showing a super majority of those polled favor Russian and Chinese security and economic partnerships. Be Happy Everyone.

You can blame the EU and US too.. for going for the stick approach instead of the carrot.. no one party to blame here.. maybe blame Thaksin for getting his name on the amnesty list.. without it.. no junta in power.

But it was just stupid of the EU and US to think that Thailand would not look around.

Rinse and repeat....................

[robblok]

During Russia's 120 years relationship with Thailand, let's not forget the respectful communist insurgency in Thailand lasting from 1965 to 1983. While superficially Russia is now more of an oilgarchy led by billionaires like Putin than a communist nation, Putin's revival of the soviet imperialism is no less threatening to the world democracies. Of course the government of Thailand now being an oligarchy instead of a democracy makes a partnership between the Junta-led government and Russia more politically palatable.

Unfortunately, the People of Thailand who have lost their sovereignty to the Junta have no say in any of the Junta's foreign partnerships. But no doubt we will begin to see "surveys" showing a super majority of those polled favor Russian and Chinese security and economic partnerships. Be Happy Everyone.

You can blame the EU and US too.. for going for the stick approach instead of the carrot.. no one party to blame here.. maybe blame Thaksin for getting his name on the amnesty list.. without it.. no junta in power.

But it was just stupid of the EU and US to think that Thailand would not look around.

What stick? The cut off of a few million dollars in military aid, while keeping everything else intact? You'll know the stick when it lands, because that will mean a travel ban, a cut off of Thai exports to the US, no more Cobra Gold at all, and a ban Thai companies doing business in the US, along with Thai banks.

Quite a few hard words mate... can't say that the EU or US were real diplomatic about the coup. Thing is this was their good right.. just as its Thailands good right to look elsewhere.. personally I think its a mistake of Thailand.. but nothing unexpected.

[geriatrickid]

Its only logical.. when the EU and US start to bully Thailand for having a junta other countries will take their place. China and Russia are winning because of the stupidity from the EU and US. But the EU and US have decided that having people killed in the street by red terrorists was better as having a junta and now they loose out on opportunities.

Can't say I did not see this coming.

Bullying? The only bullying done was by Thailand with its disgraceful conduct in respect to the German jurists who were working on human rights issues.

Is the EU bullying when it says no to seafood imports that used slave labour? Is the EU bullying when it seeks to prevent torture and brutality inflicted upon political prisoners? Is the US bullying when it insists on the conditions agreed to in respect to investments be respected?

Is it bullying to ask why most foreign consuls and embassies are no longer informed when their nationals are murdered or injured, in accordance with long standing international agreements? (e.g. this week's Krabi ferry fire where Thai officials did not inform the implicated foreign consuls.)

Is it bullying when the Norwegians call out the Thai government for the cover up of the poisonings of foreign visitors? Did you forget the incorrect information and damaged forensic evidence that the Thai government gave the Canadian government in the Belanger sisters death case?

You are big on exaggerated hyperbole and short on the facts.

[robblok]

Its only logical.. when the EU and US start to bully Thailand for having a junta other countries will take their place. China and Russia are winning because of the stupidity from the EU and US. But the EU and US have decided that having people killed in the street by red terrorists was better as having a junta and now they loose out on opportunities.

Can't say I did not see this coming.

Bullying? The only bullying done was by Thailand with its disgraceful conduct in respect to the German jurists who were working on human rights issues.

Is the EU bullying when it says no to seafood imports that used slave labour? Is the EU bullying when it seeks to prevent torture and brutality inflicted upon political prisoners? Is the US bullying when it insists on the conditions agreed to in respect to investments be respected?

Is it bullying to ask why most foreign consuls and embassies are no longer informed when their nationals are murdered or injured, in accordance with long standing international agreements? (e.g. this week's Krabi ferry fire where Thai officials did not inform the implicated foreign consuls.)

Is it bullying when the Norwegians call out the Thai government for the cover up of the poisonings of foreign visitors? Did you forget the incorrect information and damaged forensic evidence that the Thai government gave the Canadian government in the Belanger sisters death case?

You are big on exaggerated hyperbole and short on the facts.

Kid, US and EU are right about the food and labor issues. I am not talking about that. I am talking about the anti junta stance. (as is their good right) but then don't look surprised if Thailand looks elsewhere (don't think its a good idea) but its a natural reaction.

[Tarowand]

Yes, we have been slipping in the most corrupt countries lists so bring in the KGB, more of those wonderful Russian tourists and the Russian Mob. Now that's progressive thinking.

[zydeco]

During Russia's 120 years relationship with Thailand, let's not forget the respectful communist insurgency in Thailand lasting from 1965 to 1983. While superficially Russia is now more of an oilgarchy led by billionaires like Putin than a communist nation, Putin's revival of the soviet imperialism is no less threatening to the world democracies. Of course the government of Thailand now being an oligarchy instead of a democracy makes a partnership between the Junta-led government and Russia more politically palatable.

Unfortunately, the People of Thailand who have lost their sovereignty to the Junta have no say in any of the Junta's foreign partnerships. But no doubt we will begin to see "surveys" showing a super majority of those polled favor Russian and Chinese security and economic partnerships. Be Happy Everyone.

You can blame the EU and US too.. for going for the stick approach instead of the carrot.. no one party to blame here.. maybe blame Thaksin for getting his name on the amnesty list.. without it.. no junta in power.

But it was just stupid of the EU and US to think that Thailand would not look around.

What stick? The cut off of a few million dollars in military aid, while keeping everything else intact? You'll know the stick when it lands, because that will mean a travel ban, a cut off of Thai exports to the US, no more Cobra Gold at all, and a ban Thai companies doing business in the US, along with Thai banks.

Quite a few hard words mate... can't say that the EU or US were real diplomatic about the coup. Thing is this was their good right.. just as its Thailands good right to look elsewhere.. personally I think its a mistake of Thailand.. but nothing unexpected.

rob, I just don't believe that the US or Europe has been all that harsh. The words have actually been minimal. And the actions have been non-existent. It is the Thais who are completely over-reacting. Had they simply ridden this out, things would have been okay. As it is right now, the Thai government is virtually begging the US government to whack them with a big stick. And I agree with you, this move by the Thai generals and The Nation to propagandize on behalf of two militaristic dictatorships in Russia and China is a disaster.

[robblok]

You can blame the EU and US too.. for going for the stick approach instead of the carrot.. no one party to blame here.. maybe blame Thaksin for getting his name on the amnesty list.. without it.. no junta in power.

But it was just stupid of the EU and US to think that Thailand would not look around.

What stick? The cut off of a few million dollars in military aid, while keeping everything else intact? You'll know the stick when it lands, because that will mean a travel ban, a cut off of Thai exports to the US, no more Cobra Gold at all, and a ban Thai companies doing business in the US, along with Thai banks.

Quite a few hard words mate... can't say that the EU or US were real diplomatic about the coup. Thing is this was their good right.. just as its Thailands good right to look elsewhere.. personally I think its a mistake of Thailand.. but nothing unexpected.

rob, I just don't believe that the US or Europe has been all that harsh. The words have actually been minimal. And the actions have been non-existent. It is the Thais who are completely over-reacting. Had they simply ridden this out, things would have been okay. As it is right now, the Thai government is virtually begging the US government to whack them with a big stick. And I agree with you, this move by the Thai generals and The Nation to propagandize on behalf of two militaristic dictatorships in Russia and China is a disaster.

Maybe... could be that I read different stuff.. but in anyway its not good news for Thailand.

[ginjag]

Its only logical.. when the EU and US start to bully Thailand for having a junta other countries will take their place. China and Russia are winning because of the stupidity from the EU and US. But the EU and US have decided that having people killed in the street by red terrorists was better as having a junta and now they loose out on opportunities.

Can't say I did not see this coming.

Bullying? The only bullying done was by Thailand with its disgraceful conduct in respect to the German jurists who were working on human rights issues.

Is the EU bullying when it says no to seafood imports that used slave labour? Is the EU bullying when it seeks to prevent torture and brutality inflicted upon political prisoners? Is the US bullying when it insists on the conditions agreed to in respect to investments be respected?

Is it bullying to ask why most foreign consuls and embassies are no longer informed when their nationals are murdered or injured, in accordance with long standing international agreements? (e.g. this week's Krabi ferry fire where Thai officials did not inform the implicated foreign consuls.)

Is it bullying when the Norwegians call out the Thai government for the cover up of the poisonings of foreign visitors? Did you forget the incorrect information and damaged forensic evidence that the Thai government gave the Canadian government in the Belanger sisters death case?

You are big on exaggerated hyperbole and short on the facts.

All the B/S about everyone not liking the PM in Thailand, J.Kerry has just given his best wishes to Thailand for their Holiday time.

The Russians are over the moon about it, one back bench MP from Canada speaks something to the press and here it is reported to be Canadas view ?? Most other trade and agreements seem to be ongoing despite out anti TVF friends daily drag down of Thailands events (death camps--brainwashing re-hab--compare to Siberia and N. Korea Zimbabwe) get a life minority accept some rocky situ, along with the good intentions. Where will your voices be after elections-----no one to blame again same before ??

[baboon]

The headline HAS to be the position of the Russian government, considering current Russian politics is basically the Putin and Medvedev revolving door.

[dominique355]

When in 1968 the Soviet Union invaded Czechoslovakia, they also claimed that this was brotherly help.

The Czechs asked themselves if the Russians are their friends or their brother and finally decided that the Russians are their brothers. Because their friends, they can choose themselves.

Just wondering how many "brothers" Thailand needs.

[mojorison]

Jeez the Thai guy could do with some new clothes!

His hoody was in the wash. (SRSLY... what a disgrace.)

[h90]

Tell that to the Crimean and the Ukraine people, and the west, for over running and seizing

territories, and scare flying your jets over Nato air space... Mr Medvedev....how are you kidding

there sir?

As long as I know the "jets" (Tu-95 isn't a jet) fly in international airspace....USA is doing the same close to China and Russia.

Crimea had a vote....would you go against the democratic vote of the people.

Ukraine: Read what they wanted to do with the Russians after the coup. The eastern parts would have been happy if they were just allowed to speak their language and left in peace, but no that wasn't the plan of the Ukraine Nazis....

[hard124get]

The Russian policy of 'minding your own business' is difficult for Americans to understand. Crimea is Russian. Get over it