#5497
[Second Issue of the Day]
#2
BBC Monitoring
State Duma Deputy Chairman on closure of Russian bases,
relations with USA
Source: NTV, Moscow, in Russian 0600 gmt 18 Oct 01
[Presenter Denis Soldatikov] Cuba is categorically against the closure of the Russian radar centre in Lourdes. The Cuban authorities insist that immediate negotiations with Russia be held.
[Omitted: known details of Cuban and US reaction]
[Presenter] Russian State Duma Deputy Chairman Vladimir Lukin has joined us for a live linkup. Good morning, Vladimir Petrovich.
[Lukin] Good morning.
[Presenter] Do you think Cuba's behaviour can change Russia's plans to close down the radar station in Lourdes? Is this issue going to be discussed in Shanghai?
[Lukin] I believe that the decision has been taken already. It is Russia's decision. It is a Russian military base, too. However, a mistake was made if there were no preliminary talks held with the Cuban authorities on the subject. One should hold talks. One should have at least informed Cuba about the decision.
Nevertheless, the essence of the decision is absolutely right. We are passing on to a new stage. It is necessary that bases exist not for the sake of just being there. They should be aimed at providing our country's security.
Back in Soviet times the situation was different. We were supposed to watch the US space programmes and other programmes closely. At present we should be watching other facilities. Thus, if need be, Russian bases should be situated in another place. Central Asia and the Caucasus are our priorities at the moment. It is there that Russia should concentrate its largest means and resources.
[Presenter] Vladimir Petrovich, to what extent can Cuba's reaction and the Russian government's decision influence the Russian-US talks? What will become the priority at the talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President George Bush?
[Lukin] First of all, the Shanghai summit is a meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation [APEC] forum. There will be a serious debate on topical Asia-Pacific regional problems. Certainly, the meeting between the two presidents will be the focus of attention. Certainly, they will speak about the bases. It goes without saying that the Americans are happy with the closure of the bases. The USA sees Russia's decision to close down its two bases, in Asia and in South America, as specific evidence and proof of Russia's strategic course aimed at international antiterrorist cooperation.
I would like to add, however, that one-sided steps cannot be taken forever. Likewise, be it one-sided exchange of information on sensitive issues, one-sided gestures to show that Russia seriously intends to cooperate with Russia and Europe as far as military bases are concerned, decisions should go both ways. Moreover, the decisions should be specific. They should not end in smiles and encouragement. They should be of specific benefit to Russia.
[Presenter] Vladimir Petrovich, thank you very much indeed.
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