From CNN: It is sad to say, but Putins comments are all too accurate.
MUNICH, Germany (AP) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday blamed U.S. policy for inciting other countries to seek nuclear weapons to defend themselves from an "almost uncontained use of military force."
The stinging attack underscored growing tensions between Washington and Moscow.
"Unilateral, illegitimate actions have not solved a single problem, they have become a hotbed of further conflicts," Putin said at the Munich Conference on Security Policy, an annual forum attracting senior officials from around the world.
"One state, the United States, has overstepped its national borders in every way."
The Bush administration said it was "surprised and disappointed" by Putin's remarks.
"His accusations are wrong," said Gordon Johndroe, President Bush's national security spokesman.
However, the White House did not respond in kind.
"We expect to continue cooperation with Russia in areas important to the international community such as counterterrorism and reducing the spread and threat of weapons of mass destruction," Johndroe said.
Putin attacked Bush's administration for stoking a new arms race by planning to deploy a missile defense system in Eastern Europe and for backing a U.N. plan that would grant virtual independence to Serbia's breakaway province of Kosovo.
Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, who was also attending the conference, described Putin's remarks as "the most aggressive speech from a Russian leader since the end of the Cold War."
The United States and an increasingly assertive Russia repeatedly have butted heads during the past year, with Vice President Dick Cheney accusing Moscow of using its energy resources as "tools of intimidation or blackmail."
Washington also has been angered by Russia's reluctance to impose meaningful sanctions against Iran, which is accused of seeking to develop nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian atomic energy program.
On the other hand, the United States and Russia have been cooperating in trying to negotiate an end to North Korea's nuclear weapons program. (Watch what North Korea is after )
'A world of one master, one sovereign' But Putin said it was "the almost uncontained hyper-use of force in international relations" that was forcing countries opposed to Washington to seek to build up nuclear arsenals.
"It is a world of one master, one sovereign. ... It has nothing to do with democracy. This is nourishing the wish of countries to get nuclear weapons," he said.
"This is very dangerous. Nobody feels secure anymore because nobody can hide behind international law," Putin told the gathering.
Putin did not mention the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan, but he voiced concern about NATO's expansion plans as possible challenges to Russia.
"The process of NATO expansion has nothing to do with modernization of the alliance or with ensuring security in Europe," Putin said. "On the contrary, it is a serious factor provoking reduction of mutual trust."
On the missile defense system, Putin said it would seriously change the balance of power and could provoke an unspecified "asymmetric" response.
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"If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe." Carl Sagan
Hey all. I know there are far more important things going on in the world...like world peace, war in the middle east, our soldiers fighting for our freedom. But sometimes I need a break from that and need entertainment news to ...well entertain me and make me laugh. Sometimes I don't laugh and it makes me cry too.
My recent entertainment news is re both the Anna Nicole Smith and Britney Spears sagas. Anyone interested in discussing?
Just wanted to relate two news items that may have escaped wider notice.
1. President Bush came to North Carolina today to give a speech.
2. Today, much of North Carolina was under a High Wind warning.
So what are you saying, that there was a high probablility that North Carolinians would be blown away by his speech? Used to be the land of Jesse Helms, right?
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Yr hen Gymraeg i mi, Hon ydyw iaith teimladau, Ac adlais i guriadau Fy nghalon ydyw hi --- Mynyddog
Hey all. I know there are far more important things going on in the world...like world peace, war in the middle east, our soldiers fighting for our freedom. But sometimes I need a break from that and need entertainment news to ...well entertain me and make me laugh. Sometimes I don't laugh and it makes me cry too.
My recent entertainment news is re both the Anna Nicole Smith and Britney Spears sagas. Anyone interested in discussing?
I feel bad for Brit. She's falling apart and has a bunch of mental issues. Not only that, but it's all in the public eye, so everyone gets to watch her implode.
As for Anna Nicole, man am I sick of her. People are dying every day, and yet I have to constantly hear about this bimbo.
That's my opinon at least.
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May those who love us love us And those who don't love us May God turn their hearts, And if He doesn't turn their hearts, May He turn their ankles, So we'll know them by their limping.
Here's a current event... New York's chief justice Kaye has threatened to bring suit on the State for not increasing the annual salaries of the state Judges currently about $136,000. They are looking for about $165,000. When I first saw this I laughed however NYC Carpenters with moderate overtime earn this plus a healthy benefit package so I guess this is not unreasonable. Just thought I'd share something different with you folks.
I'm really finding it hard to understand why anyone supports Israel anymore. The day before the first peace talks in seven years, and they send troops, tanks, and air support to raid Gaza. Abbas needs to get the Hamas under control too, (these rocket attacks are also unjustifiable), but at least their leader isn't ordering attacks this close to peace talks.
"I am a Canadian by birth, but I am a Highlander by blood and feel under an obligation to do all I can for the sake of the Highlanders and their literature.... I have never yet spoken a word of English to any of my children. They can speak as much English as they like to others, but when they talk to me they have to talk in Gaelic."
-Alexander Maclean Sinclair of Goshen (protector of Gaelic Culture)
Hello John. This is an issue that I find very difficult to decide nowadays. I have Scottish friends on both sides. Some want independence and say they can do so with the making of whisky and oil nearby....no problem. However, I talk to other Scottish friends of mine who like things the way they are and say they don't feel Scotland can survive on its own. So what can I say as an American? I have never even been to Scotland and feel it is not my place to say otherwise. I just want the very best for Scotland, whatever that may be in the future for them.
John; I was in Scotland in Oct. 07 on a personal pilgrimage to meet my biological fathers family.I left Scotland at the age of five in 1947 as my mother, (a widow) had remarried to a Canadian who adopted me (thus the name Campbell-McArthur). The majority of Scots that I had the pleasure of speaking to were all for independence but not leaving the Commonwealth or setting up a Republic. using Ireland as an example they want a seat in the E.U. and greater control of their economyand of course the tax money stays in Scotland. From a strictly emmotional point I think all Scots long for the day when Scotland is free and the Saltire is recognized as the Nation Flag. I found it surprising that the Scots feel towards England much the same as Canadians feel towrds the U.S. good neighbours but keep your nose out of our business. If the 12 million Scots in the U.S, the 6 million in Canada, and the five million in Australia were allowed to vote not only would Alba be free but the sassenach would be bending a knee to us.
Group: Celtic Nation
Posts: 133
Joined: 08-Mar-2008 Zodiac: Oak
The Monarchy is old and tired no matter what they do to try and appear modern. The Royal family is no better than you and I. They are figureheads at best. The British Empire is no more.
John; I was in Scotland in Oct. 07 on a personal pilgrimage to meet my biological fathers family.I left Scotland at the age of five in 1947 as my mother, (a widow) had remarried to a Canadian who adopted me (thus the name Campbell-McArthur). The majority of Scots that I had the pleasure of speaking to were all for independence but not leaving the Commonwealth or setting up a Republic. using Ireland as an example they want a seat in the E.U. and greater control of their economyand of course the tax money stays in Scotland. From a strictly emmotional point I think all Scots long for the day when Scotland is free and the Saltire is recognized as the Nation Flag. I found it surprising that the Scots feel towards England much the same as Canadians feel towrds the U.S. good neighbours but keep your nose out of our business. If the 12 million Scots in the U.S, the 6 million in Canada, and the five million in Australia were allowed to vote not only would Alba be free but the sassenach would be bending a knee to us.
Camac.
So here I am saying I’m sorry again, for not responding to this post for so long, as I just came on to it. Anyway, I totally agree. (You know I’m beginning to think that I should start playing Roller Hockey again, just so I can get some frustration out).
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