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Friday, Nov 21st 2008

EurActiv.com - Interview: Europe and US 'misguided' on Russia | EU - European Information on Enlargement & Neighbours

Author: donagh of Dublin Opinion

Topics: Links

Published: September 3rd, 2008

Discussion: No comments ↓

EurActiv.com - Interview: Europe and US ‘misguided’ on Russia | EU - European Information on Enlargement & Neighbours

'While Georgia and Russia are the first to blame for the conflict', sez Thomas Gomart of the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI) 'the United States and Europe must also bear some responsibility'.

"Here we are touching the limits of NATO's expansion strategy and notably the 'do it strategy' promoted by numerous American and European experts, according to whom NATO could be enlarged without Russia reacting," Gomart says. He also singles out a "general attitude" in the US believing "that one can modify or transform whole regions" by supporting local leaders.

"I believe that here we probably have a significant amount of ideological responsibility from the United States." In terms of energy supplies and pipeline routes - one of the driving factors of the war according to some analysts - Gomart says the Kremlin's message is clear: "Nothing will be done in the Caucasus without us".

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