Rusland 3

Struggle for energy reserves could lead to conflict - Kremlin
Dmitry Medvedev: Russia has privileges in post-Soviet statesDmitry
Medvedev: Russia has privileges in post-Soviet states

THE GROWING struggle for the world’s energy reserves could spill over
into military clashes, according to a new Kremlin security strategy
published yesterday.

The paper also identified US missile defence programmes as one of the main
challenges facing the country, and named the Arctic as a new area for
potential conflict, together with the Middle East, Central Asia and the
Caspian Sea.

“In a competition for resources, it can’t be ruled out that military
force could be used for resolving emerging problems,” the document said,
adding: “The existing balance of forces near the borders of the Russian
Federation and its allies can be violated.”

The document, which will form Russia’s national security strategy until
2020, also warns of the threat posed by Nato. The paper says Moscow wants a
“fully fledged strategic partnership” with Washington, but opposes US
plans to develop a missile defence system in central Europe.

Ruben Sergeyev, a Moscow-based defence analyst, said: “This new doctrine
makes clear that the main threat to Russia is the activities of western
countries. Russia is seriously concerned about the growing gap between the
US and Russia in the military field, and about America’s attempts to
dwarf Russia’s nuclear potential by creating new arms systems placed
close to Russia’s borders and in space.

Lees verder: http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2009/0514/1224246462547.htm