By IRNA
Moscow : President Vladimir Putin said that the West should not expect relations with Russia to be any easier under his newly elected successor, who is “no less of a Russian nationalist”.
Putin said many observers view Dmitry Medvedev as a more liberal politician and hope Medvedev’s presidency will help ease strained relations between Moscow and the West.
“Some of our partners can’t wait to see me stop fulfilling my duties so that they could deal with another man,”
Putin said at a press conference after talks with visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
“But Medvedev is no less of a Russian nationalist – in a positive way – than me. And I don’t think it will be easier for our partners to deal with him,” he said.
Mrs. Merkel later met with Medvedev – the first foreign leader to visit him since his resounding victory in last Sunday’s election to succeed Putin.
Mrs. Merkel said she expected cordial ties between the two countries to continue.
“Putin just told us that with you, it would not be easier than it was with him. But I didn’t allow myself to say that I hope it won’t be harder,” she said.
IRNA reporter in Moscow said that Medvedev’s inauguration is scheduled for May 7.
Putin is expected to become his prime minister, which is a more administrative governmental role but has led to speculation over how much power he will continue to wield.
Putin again warned that Kosovo’s independence would only encourage separatism in Europe.
He also accused the West of trying to replace the United Nations with NATO.