Monday, 6 July 2009
U.S. President Barack Obama has dismissed suggestions that Washington was responsible for the ongoing global economic crisis.
Obama's interview with Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta was published on Monday, just hours before his arrival in Moscow on his first visit to Russia since taking office.
"We need to spend less time thinking about who is to blame and more time working together to do what needs to be done to get all of our economies moving in the right direction," Obama said.
He said the economic crisis resulted from "a culture of irresponsibility regarding financial matters" in the United States, Europe and elsewhere, and urged efforts to promote an era of responsibility.
"We're called upon to recognize that the free market is the most powerful generative force for our prosperity -- but it is not a free license to ignore the consequences of our actions," Obama said.
Commenting on the priority of his visit - to "reset" relations with Russia, Obama said he was guided by the pursuit of common interests.
"I see no reason why we cannot aspire together to strengthen democracy, human rights, and the rule of law as part of our 'reset,'" the U.S. leader said.
He pledged to affirm his support for Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's initiative to strengthen the rule of law in Russia at Moscow talks, but expressed his concern over the new trial of jailed ex-Yukos founder Mikhail Khodorkovsky.
He said it seemed "odd" that the new charges against Khodorkovsky and his business partner, Platon Lebedev, should be brought several years after "these two individuals have been in prison and as they become eligible for parole."
However, Obama said: "I think it is improper for outsiders to interfere in the legal processes of Russia."
Asked about his plans for Europe, Obama reiterated that Washington was seeking to build a defense against real threats.
"Given the threats around the world, especially those growing from North Korea and Iran, our goal is to strengthen missile defenses for the United States and our allies in Europe and elsewhere," Obama said, expressing the hope that Russia would be a partner in the project.
