UAE | General
'We prefer to use political and diplomatic means'
Russia's Ambassador to the UAE on Thursday ruled out his country was seeking to revive the Cold War era, as the war of words between Moscow and the West intensified over a nation devastated by war with Russia.
- By Samir Salama and Marten Youssef, Staff Reporters
- Published: 23:44 August 28, 2008
Abu Dhabi: Russia's Ambassador to the UAE on Thursday ruled out his country was seeking to revive the Cold War era, as the war of words between Moscow and the West intensified over a nation devastated by war with Russia.
"We were left with no other option but to repulse President Mikheil Saakashvili's military aggression against South Ossetia. We prefer to continue dialogue and cooperation. But it depends upon the goodwill of both sides. It takes two to tango," said Andrey Zakharov, ambassador of the Russian Federation in the UAE.
In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, the Russian ambassador discusses the reemergence of Russia, the Cold War and what Russia expects from the Gulf in the new era.
Russia's ongoing development and its ability to assert itself as a superpower is a reminiscence of an era that many thought was long gone, but Zakharov disagrees. "Russia is objectively a superpower. So we don't need to re-assert ourselves as such," he said.
As for Russia's influence in the region, Zakharov said: "We are not going to take any military actions in other regions anywhere. We prefer to use political and diplomatic means to settle different problems."
The ambassador asserted that there is no intention to damage the relations between Russia and the West.
He also denied accusations that the war with Georgia was planned to play out to the background of the Olympics.
Latest news
- Sharjah boy tops Indian board's class 12 exams
- Dubai number plates auction raises Dh27m
- Youngsters dance and raise cash for charity
- Dubai departments upgrade services
- Get yourself a free test for diabetes
- Ensuring a safety net for intellectual property
- Reader's issue addressed
- 5,552 illegals held in Dubai this year
- Man cleared because he took drugs in France
- Man charged with trafficking women
- Auditors to probe Mizin graft case
- Breaking down cultural barriers with photographs
- Abu Dhabi Crown Prince visits Islamic centre
- Smart e-Gate system launched
- Cyber infidelity creeping out of virtual domain
Community Reports
-
Mirror, mirror show me the way
Driver on Salam Street had so many boxes and fruits piled into car, he would not be able to view rear or right side mirrors
-
Parents should be more vigilant
Reader's picture highlights risk of negligence by caretakers
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
