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Grigory A. Yavlinsky, Member of the Russian Duma and Leader
of the Yabloko Movement, expressed some pessimism about Russia's
short-term economic In his remarks, Grigory A. Yavlinsky, Member
of the State Duma; Leader, Yabloko Movement, Russian Federation,
also referred to Kaliningrad, suggesting that its development
and integration into Europe could serve as a model for what might
be possible with the rest of Russia. Yavlinsky also warned that
the economic downturn in the US could stretch into next year,
making 2002 a difficult year for Europe's financial markets and
industrial producers. He said that it is a pity that NATO has
yet to respond to the proposal by Russian President Vladimir Putin
for the joint development of a non-strategic ballistic missile
system. Finally, Yavlinsky agreed that Russia must go forward
with WTO membership. “We need to change Russian society,”
he explained. “How far will Russia go for an independent
justice system, an independent legislative system and an independent
election process? Russia needs economic changes, but there must
also be human rights, freedom of speech and government accountability.
We may have freedom of speech, but we have problems of freedom
after the speech.” Concluded Yavlinsky: Europe's integration
of Russia, Belarus and the Ukraine is important if the continent
is to maintain a status equal to the two emerging global poles
- North America and Asia.
See also:
www.weforum.org
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