Putin again references "Yugoslav scenario" in speech

MOSCOW -- Russia did not allow itself to go down the road of disintegration under the Yugoslav scenario, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said.

During his annual address to both chambers of parliament, the Federal Assembly, he said his country believes it can do much and achieve everything.

"They would have let us disintegrate and divide after the Yugoslav scenario with pleasure, with all the tragic consequences that would have had for the peoples of Russia. It did not happen. We did not allow it to happen," Putin said, adding that Russia did not let Hitler achieve this, either.

He thanked Russians for their support and solidarity in times when the future of the country is being resolved, and said that approaching Russia from a position of force was "meaningless."

“The policy of containment was not invented yesterday. It has been carried out against this country for many and many years - always, if one can say. For decades if not centuries,” Putin said, and added: “Each time when someone believes that Russia has become too strong, independent, these tools are used immediately."

Putin reiterated that sanctions harm everyone, even those who introduced them, and that Moscow does not intend to damage its relations with Europe and America.

• Referring to the unification of Crimea and Sevastopol with Russia as "historical," Putin said that Crimea has a huge civilizational and religious significance for Russia and that Russians "will handle it that way forever."

Russia has the right to pursue its own path of development, the president said, and added that "this applies to Ukraine as well." He called hypocritical the use of human rights issue to cover up the coup that took place in Ukraine.

He advised against "politicking" but instead helping Ukraine with its reforms, and noted that his Western colleagues "are not rushing to do so."

• Putin added that Russia provided loans for the economy of Ukraine worth between 32.5 and 33.5 billion dollars in recent years.

The Russian president said that his country will not enter an expensive arms race, but will work to fully ensure its security.

"This will be done. There are both opportunities, and non-standard solutions."

• "No one will be able to achieve military superiority over Russia. Our army is modern, capable, polite, but fierce. To protect our freedom we have enough strength, will, and courage," said Putin, to a thunderous applause.

He added that Russia will make an effort "to spread the truth about the country in the world, so everyone can see the real picture instead of the fake and falsified one."
 Source: Beta, Tanjug, TASS 
4/12/14
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