Letter: U.S., EU and Russia

Sat, 09/13/2008 9:56 AM | Reader's Forum

Concerning your article "Cheney urges Ukraine to unite against the Russian 'threat'", (The Jakarta Post, Sept. 6, 2008) allow me to give the following comment:

It is clear that a rift is forming between U.S. foreign policy toward Russia, and the policy the so-called "old Europe" countries are developing. Cheney's wrath is on Russia.

His rhetoric is disturbing, and complicates a delicate situation. He talks about Georgia being subjected to a Russian invasion, without referring to the unilateral attack conducted by Georgia's leaders on South Ossetia on Aug. 7, 2008, which started the mess.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the West increased its sphere of influence enormously in the east by accepting the Baltic states, Poland, Hungary, the former Czechoslovakia, Romania and Bulgaria into NATO and later into the EU.

And Russia, economically and financially on its knees under then president Yeltsin, accepted this new European reality. There was no other choice for them.

Is it such a surprise then, when Russia rises under the leadership of former president Putin, that Russia demands that its strategic interests in neighboring countries, including Georgia and Ukraine, be taken seriously and that it wants to be treated as a world power again in its own right?

During a recent NATO meeting, President George Bush pressed for NATO membership for Ukraine and Georgia. Putin made clear that Russia would consider this a threat against its security. Is Putin paranoid in his vision that Russia is being encircled by NATO?

What type of risks are NATO countries willing to accept if Ukraine and Georgia become NATO members? What risks does Russia face on its borders with these countries?

The EU, the U.S. and Russia share vital interests. Politically, to stabilize the dangerous situations in the Middle East, Iran, North Korea and Pakistan, to limit the spread of nuclear arms, to fight terrorism.

Countries bordering Russia must have the right to choose entrance into the EU. But this does not mean they can also join a military organization like NATO while the latter continues to put up a military stance against Russia.

JOHN SCHOENMAECKERS
Jakarta

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