Agency WPS
What the Papers Say. Part B (Russia)
January 18, 2005, Tuesday

ELIZABETH JONES: THE UNITED STATES IS NOT A DICTATOR

SOURCE: Nezavisimaya Gazeta, January 18, 2005, pp. 1, 8

by Andre Terekhov

Question: Have you taken into account a forecast made recently by
Morgan Stanley analysts, claiming that Putin will be forced to resign
this year? Are you predicting regime change in some CIS countries?

Elizabeth Jones: First, I don’t think this particular forecast will
come to pass. Secondly, the best way of replacing governments is by
means of elections. Moreover, elections should be free and fair.
Unfortunately, the elections in Georgia and Ukraine were not fair –
much to the disappointment of the citizens of these countries. That
disappointment was precisely what sparked the changes. The United
States and the international community aim to ensure free and fair
elections, and to have the changover of governments be a tranquil
process, as it has been in many countries lately. Romania is a fine
example of that. Elections in Moldova and Kyrgyzstan are expected
later this year. We hope they will be free and fair. And if the free
and fair elections result in new governments, then so be it. The
international community should support that.

Question: What do you think of the controversy over the hypothetical
sale of Russian-made missile systems to Syria? Washington has
threatened Moscow with sanctions.

Elizabeth Jones: It is very important for everyone – including Russia
and any other country – not to take any steps that would promote
instability in the Middle East. We all should be seeking ways to
continue the peace process, of which the United States and Russia
alike are co-sponsors. We count on productive cooperation with Russia
within the framework of the Middle East quartet – particularly now,
after elections in the Palestinian autonomy.

Question: There have been reports that Washington intends to revise
its policy with regard to Moscow. What effect might this have on
bilateral relations?

Elizabeth Jones: As for the “revision,” reporting it as a sensational
piece of news is not entirely correct. The way we work in Washington,
our policy is in a state of constant change. There won’t be any
dramatic revision of policies with regard to Russia or any other
country.

I disagree with the assumption that policy changes should be expected
in the course of President Bush’s second term. The general agenda in
U.S.-Russian relations is quite clear. The global war on terrorism is
a major effort we have undertaken. It is of paramount importance for
all of us, not only for the United States or Russia alone. I know
that both the Russian and American leaders want constructive
cooperation.

Question: Presidents Putin and Bush will meet in Bratislava soon.
Which topics will be raised there?

Elizabeth Jones: Preparations for the summit are under way. We have
established effective cooperation in addressing issues connected with
nuclear programs of Iran and North Korea. Special attention will be
paid to joint efforts in the field of non-proliferation. We also hope
to discuss all sorts of economic matters – like Russia’s application
for membership of the World Trade Organization.

Another group of issues concerns state control, particularly in the
energy sector. For example, the YUKOS affair. We want to know
Russia’s true intentions in this matter and the actual situation. For
the time being, the impression is that tax legislation is being
misused and the rule of law doesn’t apply at all. We would also like
to discuss the process of democratic changes in Russia.

We will also discuss the situation in the territories bordering on
Russia where separatist attitudes are present. We believe that these
trends undermine security, including Russia’s security. There are two
such territories in Georgia and one in Moldova. There are problems
with Nagorno-Karabakh as well. Russia can be instrumental in a
solution to all these problems. It is not in Russia’s own interests
to tolerate a continuation of these criminal activities in
territories located so close to Russia’s borders. It is not in the
interests of the United States or Europe either. None of us would
benefit if these areas turn into arms transit points. We must find a
political solution.

We know that Russia needs to overcome its difficulties with Chechnya.
The United States and Europe are ready to offer assistance in
political resolution and the restoration of Chechnya.

Question: Which aspects of democratic changes in Russia are causing
concern for the United States?

Elizabeth Jones: The United States, and many people in Russia as
well, are concerned about the growing disparity between society and
the authorities. Many are concerned about excessive centralization of
power. It doesn’t seem that there are valid reasons for total
concentration of control in the hands of the state.

Question: Putin recently said that Russia was working on new nuclear
weapons and described Washington’s foreign policy as dictatorial.
What did the United States think of that?

Elizabeth Jones: Putin’s statement about new missiles with nuclear
warheads wasn’t exactly a surprise. The matter has been discussed for
some time now. As for viewing America’s foreign policy as
dictatorial, that is an incorrect assessment, of course. Dictatorial
methods are not what we use. I’m sure Putin is aware of that.

Translated by A. Ignatkin