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- There is still talk about possible sanctions like an exclusion from the G8 of a refusal to accept Russia
into the World Trade Organization. If these measures are taken how will Russia react? And, something else that
concerns ordinary Europeans can the hot summer in the Caucasus become the cold winter in Europe?

- You know, the issue of sanctions is always complicated, because sanctions are usually as a double-
edged sword. And I think that safety position adopted by the European Union shows how dangerous going
down the road of sanctions is. Reason has prevailed. The result is clear. As for other international policies such
as the G8, the G8 without Russia is incapacitated. Even the G8 itself has already understood that without the
representation of such states as China and India, without the use of the so-called outreach mechanism many of
the group of eight decisions are not fully valid let alone taking the decisions without Russia’s participation.
Therefore, of course the G8 without Russia would not be able to exist. And if it attempts to continue to meet, that
won’t benefit the world order, because it exists in the real world.

The WTO is a separate economic issue. We indeed would like to become a member of the WTO, but not
at any price. We’ve been continuing these negotiations for a long time. Unfortunately, they are not completely
successful. Our position is simple: if we do not agree soon, then we will have to stop at hearing to a number of
agreements imposing additional obligations on us under the framework of WTO. Such decisions are likely to be
taken unless movement towards the WTO is made. Therefore, Russia’s presence in the WTO is not only a goal
of the Russian Federation, but also our requirement for other economies. How will events evolve I won’t tell.
There are other influences, you know. I don’t think that a cold winter or something of that sort awaits us, because
it would be in no one’s interest.

- I was referring to the supply of energy to Europe …

- Yes, yes, I understand what you are hinting at. So, we of course will fully comply with our obligations
as the major supplier of oil and gas to Europe.

- Analysts believe that the Caucasian crisis turned the final page in the history of the post-soviet Russia
and became the starting point for a new world, you’ve mentioned that already. How will Russia build its
relationships wit its neighbours, in particular with Ukraine and the outside world as a whole?

- We will build our relationships with all nations based on common criteria. You are right, and I’ve
already said that the events of August this year showed the imperfection of a current security structure. We need
to rebuild it based on the realities of today. Recently I headlined five principles that would guide in
implementing Russian foreign policy. I would like to reiterate them. Firstly, Russian will fully comply with all
rules of the international law relating to the relationships between civilized nations. Secondly, Russia
understands the need of the multipolar world and believes the unipolar dominance of one state is
unacceptable whichever state it may be. Thirdly, we are naturally interested in the developing full and friendly
relations with all nations – European, Asian, the United States, African – with all nations on our planet. These
relationships will be as profound as the partners want them to be. Fourthly, I believe that the absolute priority
for us is to protect the lives and dignity of Russian citizens wherever they are. And this is one of the priorities of
Russian foreign policy. And, finally, the fifth principle. I believe that Russia like any other state has reasons to
which it will give preferential attention to our special interest regions. And with states located in these regions
we will build a special heartfelt relationship in the long term.

- Is there a danger that the recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia will ignite separatist sentiments in
other parts of the Caucasus, for example, in Russia’s Dagestan or Ingushetia?

- I don’t see any such danger unless outer influences implementing agenda for the breakup of Russia.
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