Merkel wary after talks with Medvedev

Merkel wary after talks with Medvedev

By Bertrand Benoit in Berlin and Neil Buckley in Moscow

Published: March 10 2008 02:00 | Last updated: March 10 2008 02:00

Dmitry Medvedev's election as Russia's president will not lead to a thaw in the country's difficult relationship with the west, according to Angela Merkel, German chancellor.

"I think there will be continuity," Ms Merkel said after meeting Mr Medvedev in Moscow on Saturday. "I do not think that the controversies will just disappear".

Ms Merkel was the first western leader to meet the president-elect, whom she described as "very factual". Mr Medvedev would travel to Germany on one of his first official visits after taking office, she said.

"I hope that the friendly and comradely co-operation you had with President Putin will now continue," Mr Medvedev told the German chancellor.

The tone of Ms Merkel's conversations with the Russian leadership on her trip was warmer than on earlier occasions and German officials believe Mr Medvedev wishes to pursue a constructive relationship with Berlin.

The chancellor also breakfasted with Vladimir Putin, the outgoing president and future prime minister. Both leaders made it clear their meeting was not a farewell encounter and that Mr Putin would, at least for some time, continue to shape Russia's policies.

Mr Putin reiterated his opposition to the eastward expansion of Nato. The western military alliance plans to invite Albania, Croatia and Macedonia to become members at its April summit.


Source : ft.com/cms/s/0/21948cee-ee43-11dc-a5c1-0000779fd2ac.html