Russia denounces Western 'paternalism'

MOSCOW (AFP) - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday attacked Western “paternalism” in a major foreign policy speech, singling out US and European policies on missile defence and Kosovo for criticism.

“With the end of the Cold War, there is no reason to have a bloc mentality. There is also no reason for paternalism, where some countries decide everything for others,” Medvedev said during a meeting with Russian diplomats in Moscow.

The Kremlin leader also likened the situation in Kosovo to Iraq and warned that Russia would be forced to take countermeasures against controversial US plans to site missile defence installations in Eastern Europe.

“It’s important for us to meet with the president, who is responsible for foreign policy,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in his introductory remarks.