Moscow to draw Germany's attention to Kaliningrad problem

During German President Johannes Rau's visit to Moscow on September 2nd-5th, Moscow will once again draw the attention of its German partners to the problem of the Kaliningrad region in the context of future enlargement of the European Union, Boris Malakhov, a deputy official spokesman for the Russian foreign ministry, said in a RIA Novosti interview.

The point at issue is to deal with the task of securing free transit between the region and the rest of Russia, observed Malakhov, adding that Moscow was counting on Berlin to assume "an interested and constructive approach" to the problem.

Talks will traditionally center on cooperation between Russia and the European Union, the new quality of Russia-NATO relations, and interaction in the framework of G-8 and other international structures.

Germany happens to be Russia's major foreign-policy partner. "It is with a feeling of satisfaction that we state similarity or proximity of our countries' positions on the bulk of topical problems of the day," said Malakhov.

The Russian foreign ministry thinks that once they act together, Moscow and Berlin will be able to make a substantial contribution to the new system of international security based on basic norms of international law, respect, and interests of the world community.

The rapidly changing world situation calls for constant checking of the proximity of positions and quick reacting to new challenges and threats.

"Having announced their firm decision to counteract all manifestations of terrorism in every possible way, Russia and Germany firmly believe it is necessary to base actions of the anti-terrorist coalition on a clear-cut system of international laws," said Malakhov.