Medvedev: European Security System Now Under Threat

SOCHI, September 19 (RIA Novosti) – The whole system of European security is currently under threat, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said.

“In essence, the whole system of European security is now under threat, as well as basic values, further globalization and, in essence, the whole concept of peaceful development,” he said.

West Seems to Forget That Russia Has Own National Interests

The Western countries seem to forget that Russia, as a sovereign state, has the right to shape and pursue its national interests, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Friday.

“I have a feeling that the West has completely forgotten the fact that Russia has its own national interests,” he said.

All Attempts to Put Pressure on Russia by Sanctions Futile

All previous attempts to put pressure on Russia were futile and Moscow will not tolerate political blackmail, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Friday.

“History clearly shows that all attempts to put pressure on Russia with such measures were futile. We will not tolerate political blackmail. We are the world’s biggest country, a nuclear power which is home to 150 million people, a territory with vast natural reserves and a huge market for goods, services and investment,” he said.

Medvedev added that Western partners, however, “pretended that Russia does not exist on the global map at all.”

Global Financial, Trade Stability Being Undermined

The stability of global financial and trade systems is currently being undermined, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Friday.

“One thing is for sure - the stability of the global financial and trade systems is currently being demolished. But, undoubtedly, this process can yet be stopped,” he said.

No One Can Forecast How Anti-Russian Sanctions Will Affect Global Economy

It is impossible to forecast how sanctions against Russian will affect global economy, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Friday.

“We cannot predict what sanctions will be imposed on us and for what reason, and the West cannot predict how we will reply to such unfriendly move. More importantly, no one will be able to predict what effect will sanctions against Russia, the world’s sixth economy, will have on the global economy in the long-term perspective,” he said.

The prime minister added that Russia kept the door open for Western partners, if they are willing to negotiate.