Russia's Help Needed To Combat Global Conflicts, Says European Affairs Official

By Michael Combier-Talk Radio News Service

In the midst of a global crisis, two wars and nuclear threats, it is crucial that the United States reinforce its relationships with its European allies, especially Russia said Philip H. Gordon, assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs. Gordon's remarks came during testimony he issues in front of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Gordon argued that the United States should put its past difficulties with Russia "behind us to the extent possible." However, in a reference to last July's conflict between Georgia and Russia, Gordon said that the U.S. "will not abandon our principles or ignore concerns about democracy and human rights...We don't recognize any privilege sphere of influence for Russia in Europe [and] we will also continue to support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Russia's neighbors."

"The U.S. and Russia can still work together where our interests coincide while seeking to narrow our differences in an open and mutually respectful way."

Said Gordon, "the greatest success we have in preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, the less there is a need for a missile defense system in Europe. If that threat goes away, the need for the system also goes away," adding that a nuclear North Korea and nuclear Iran also pose great threats to Russia's security as well.

Four members of the French Parliament were present in the audience during the hearing.