Opinion: Europe is still ignorant of Russia

Europe is still as ignorant as ever of Russia, according to Russian State Duma Deputy Natalya Narochnitskaya. As a Rosbalt correspondent reports, she made this announcement yesterday at the conference Russia and NATO: New Spheres of Partnership, which was held at the Saint Petersburg State University.

She said 'it is worth bearing in mind that we are fighting with terrorism in order to protect Russia and ensure that the Caucasus and Afghanistan do not become unstable and yet, as in the Middle Ages, we are having to shield the rest of the world, especially Europe, from this threat.'

Narochnitskaya added that 'NATO doctrine undoubtedly reflects peaceful intentions but the current uncertainty about NATO's position is causing concern.' The Duma deputy believes that NATO expansion to the East is not anti-Russian but 'anti-European and it is aimed at weakening Europe as a centre of power.'