Russia Faces Hostile New Leader

During his 12 years as President of France, Jacques Chirac was regarded as an admirer of Russian culture and endeavored to establish friendly relations with that nation. But his successor, Nicolas Sarkozy, has nol such reputation. From Russia’s perspective, said Leonid Slutsky of the Duma’s International Affairs Committee, “neither of the two candidates is a positive.” Sarkozy’s father fled Hungary in order to get away from Soviet control of the nation. He has been a firm supporter of American efforts to establish a missile defense system and, generally, is in favor of a foreign policy that would draw closer to American interests. Following a visit with Bush, the new French president said, “When I think that those who disapprove of my visit with Bush are the same ones who make me quietly laugh.”
Information from the Moscow Times

Related Posts

• France Yanks Ads Off Public Television
• Acknowledge or Repent?
• Sarkozy Puts Thumbs Down On Bush Missile Plan
• President Sarkozy Heads East To Confront Russia
• Olympic Game Boycotts Ahead?