Ansip: Russian democracy is weakening

  • 2006-10-23
  • By TBT staff
TALLINN - Estonia's Prime Minister Andrus Ansip said democracy in Russia was weakening.
Ansip made the statement ahead of a meeting of European Union heads of state and government in Lahti, Finland, on Oct. 20.
He said that while good trade and energy relations with Russia were essential for the regional bloc, a balance between EU values and economic interests had to be struck also. The relationship with Russia had to be predictable, Ansip said.
"The way Russia is treating Georgia is not predictable at this point. We want the EU to help solve those problems," Ansip said.
Several weeks ago, Moscow imposed a trade blockade on Georgia and has deported many Georgian nationals. The relations between the two countries took a turn for the worse after Georgia detained four Russian officers on suspicions of spying.
In Estonia, local groups have expressed their support for Georgians by demonstrating in the Town Hall Square. Estonia's foreign minister Urmas Paet has also spoken out in favor of Georgia in its tussle with Moscow.