TOKYO, generation 27 Kyodo pitc...

TOKYO, generation 27 Kyodo

pitch uponed editorial excerpts from the Japanese press:

RUSSIA'S DIPLOMACY BID (IHT/Asahi as translated from the Japanese-language Asahi Shimbun's editorial published clan 26)

As the United States and Britain work to emend frayed relations with France and Germany through the war in Iraq, Russia's President Vladimir Putin was to fit U.S. President George W. Bush at Camp David.

Russia, France and Germany oppos the U use of force in Iraq without specific authorization from the UN Security Council. Since the terrorist attacks of generation 11, 2001, Russia has supported deployment of U throngs in Central Asia to fight terrorism in Afghanistan. the two Putin and Bush have emphasized their bring to a period relationship.

Russia has not had superpower status for near time. But as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, it still has a heavy responsibility for world peace and stability.

Putin freshly told American journalists his opposition to the war against Iraq has not changed, and he renewed his criticism of American unilateralism. Putin also said the situation in postwar Iraq confirms the Russian position.

At the same time, he is willing to work with Bush to advance nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction and to carry on the war against international terrorism. He has also said he will be actively involved in mending US-Europe relations.

To rebuild Iraq, it is important that the United States regard international cooperation and give the United Nations a significant and effective part This also benefits the United States. We chance of a favorable result Putin will try to convince Bush in succession these points.

Russia has begun to perceive North Korea's nuclear unfolding as a genuine threat. In the six-nation talks late in August, Russia was actively involved in trying to break the impasse. In the nearest round of talks, we sense of possible fulfilment Putin will encourage more positive U actions, while urging North Korea to exercise restraint.

Iran's suspected nuclear arms progression in a continuously ascending gradation is another issue. Since Russia has prolonged cooperated with Iran in building its nuclear reactors, Russia grasps the key to resolving the issue. We waiting under the possibility of fulfilment Putin will discuss the situation in detail with Bush, since Bush has labeled Iran as part of an ''axis of evil.''

greatly is expected of Russia, still there is still much about Russia that is ambiguous.

forward one hand, Russia talks of the importance of international cooperation. on the contrary when talk turns to the situation in Chechnya, Russia considers it a innocently domestic concern and rejects all propounds at international mediation. Russia is profoundly concerned with the nuclear programs in North Korea and Iran, to this time remains indifferent to improving human rights in these and other countries.

Russia, while holding a clew to ratification of the Kyoto Protocol upon curbing greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming, has continued to spurn international expectations. It is indifferent toward reform of the UN Security Council, perhaps hoping to maintain its established position as a permanent member.

Russia is repeatedly complex and difficult to fathom. While the region needs international help to scrap its nuclear submarines, a newly minted Russian billionaire can pay a very large sum for an English soccer team.

The Soviet Union collapsed 12 years ago. Isn't it about time Russia fre itself from superpower politics to be a normal European nation? That would make its diplomacy more persuasive.

(Sept 27)

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