Democracy takes a back seat as Putin sets agenda

[rodeodance]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,13509-2270952,00.html



The Times July 15, 2006

Democracy takes a back seat as Putin sets agenda
By Jeremy Page
How far can other world leaders push the steely Russian President while they are on his turf? Our correspondent reports


A FEW months ago it looked like the G8 summit would be overshadowed by criticism of President Putin’s democratic record. The Kremlin had scrapped local elections. Its grip on the national media was growing ever tighter. And it had stunned the world by cutting off gas supplies to Ukraine.

But on the eve of the summit, many Kremlin critics fear that the issue will hardly be raised. As G8 President, Russia has ensured that democracy is not on the formal agenda, which includes energy security, infectious diseases and education. Nor is it on the broader agenda — dominated by Iran, North Korea and Lebanon.

The only chance that leaders will have to voice their concerns is in bilateral meetings with Mr Putin. But how far will they push the steely Kremlin leader on his own turf? President Bush, who arrived yesterday, has pledged not to pull his punches when he meets Mr Putin. “Our job is to continue to remind Russia that if she wants to have good relations, she ought to share common values with us,” he said.

His first official meeting was with 15 representatives of Russian civil society, an apparent show of support for democratic forces. In an hour-long meeting, he voiced concern about Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the former oil tycoon jailed after challenging the Kremlin. Tellingly, many of Russia’s most prominent NGOs and human rights activists were not there. ..........

[Old and In the Way]

1. Bush has no credibility on democracy...not at home, not abroad.

Another mark to add to the legacy of mass incompetece.