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'Fireside Chat' with Henry Kissinger

A Briefing on Relations with Russia

27 June 2008
London

Dr Henry Kissinger briefed key figures from UK media, business and politics, including Lord Owen, EU peace negotiator and former UK Foreign Secretary and Philip Stephens, Deputy Editor of Financial Times, on Medvedev's Russia and on the Kissinger-Primakov track-two dialogue established by President Bush and Putin.

Dr Kissinger spoke as an American policy maker from his vast experience of, and extensive contact with the Russian leadership over previous decades. He began by explaining the historical and geo-strategic context within which Russia acts and then proceeded to discuss Russia's actions in a number of areas that have been of concern to Western policy makers in recent years. Dr Kissinger also discussed the internal policital situation in Russia and offered his thoughts on potential scenarios following President Putin becoming Prime Minister and Mr Medvedev becoming President.

In order to foster good relations with Russia, Dr Kissinger emphasised that the West needs to treat Russia respectfully and to show concern for Russian sensibilities. He also highlighted the need for Europe to act with unity.