Russia: US, NATO main threats to global security

Source: Presstv.ir , 13-05-2009

A national security document released by Moscow describes the US and NATO as major threats to the security of the world and Russia.

The document covering Russia's national security policies through 2020 was unveiled by the Kremlin on Wednesday. It reflected growing fear over old enemies stating Moscow will follow a "rational and pragmatic" foreign policy to avoid a new Cold War-style arms race.

After Russia-US relations hit a low following the 5-day Caucasus conflict, Moscow is optimistic to rebuild ties with the Obama administration. The document said Russia will seek ''equal and full-fledged strategic partnership with the United States on the basis of coinciding interests.''
Moscow expressed hope that Washington would drop plans to build anti-missile facilities in Poland and the Czech Republic.

The main part of the paper, however, was about energy supplies and Kremlin's approach on the rich oil and gas fields in the Arctic region.
Russia, the US, Canada, Norway and Denmark have all been attracted to the energy supply in the Arctic. Relations between these states has intensified after evidence revealed that global warming was melting the polar ice making access to the energy supplies easier as jurisdiction over the region is still under dispute.

Russia is currently the largest gas exporter in the world; however, its dominance is threatened by China and the West.
The Kremlin aims to be among the world's top 5 economies in medium term, while its reliance on natural energy supplies such as oil and gas remains a weak point for the state.

The document also included other threats ranging from terrorism and nuclear proliferation to AIDS and alcoholism and the economic recession as potential threats.