Medvedev: U.S. aggravating Eastern Europe

Russia will be forced to appropriately respond if the U.S. aggravates Eastern Europe by deploying its controversial missile defence system, President Dmitry Medvedev has told Russian diplomats. Medvedev has called for a truly open security system in the E

“The deployment of elements of the U.S. global missile defence system in Eastern Europe is only aggravating the situation. We will have to respond appropriately and our American and European partners have already been warned,” Medvedev said.

Medvedev stressed both Russia and the U.S. share responsibility for preserving strategic stability.

“It’s clear our common legacy cannot be kept if one of the sides destroys selective elements of this strategic structure. It doesn’t suit us,” Medvedev said.

He made the statement while addressing dozens of Russian ambassadors and diplomatic representatives in Moscow, during a biannual meeting.

The President has said that Russia wants to see the establishment of a multi-polar world where respect for international law would be ensured by robust international bodies.

“Any actions in breach of norms of international law are absolutely unacceptable. It's unacceptable when the universal idea of personal security which lays the foundation of national security is ignored,” Medvedev said.

The Russian President said some recent events can be classified as a violation of such norms, in particular the unilateral declaration of Kosovo's independence and the international recognition of the new state.

However any legal actions in this field can only be achieved through negotiation and in the case of mutual agreement of all the sides concerned, Medvedev added.

Medvedev introduced a set of new foreign policy guidelines which he says are based on the analysis of all modern trends in international affairs.

He said the protection of the rights of Russian-speaking people abroad is one of Russia's top priorities.

“The protection of those rights is an element of our common work,” he said.

Medvedev has called on Russian diplomats to protect Russia's interests without confrontation.

“The world which has got rid of the Cold War cannot regain balance. Moreover, the slant towards the use of violent methods in a number of areas is increasing and we are well aware of that,” Medvedev said.

Medvedev has also said Russia cannot accept individual countries' attempts to reanimate fascist slogans.

“Next year will mark 70 years since the beginning of WW2. We just cannot accept attempts to reanimate the advocacy of a 'civilising and liberating' mission of the fascists and their accomplices,” Russian President said.

Medvedev said it is tantamount to playing with fire – to understand this one must respect history instead of engaging in sly interpretations.

The leadership of the Russian Foreign Ministry and the heads of the presidential administration, government members and representatives of various ministries and agencies engaged in international co-operation also joined Medvedev and ambassadors at the meeting.

Similar sessions have been held at the Foreign Ministry in Moscow every two years since 2002.