Medvedev proposes to introduce early alert system on pressing economic issues between Russia, EU
MOSCOW. March 21 (Interfax) - Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has proposed to introduce a joint "early alert system" on possible problems in the international economy between Russia and the European Union.
"The issue of Cyprus has indeed developed along its own dynamics, Mr. Barroso [European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso] said that the conversation [on this issue] took place in December, then later another conversation - which means that the early alert system doesn't function well. It doesn't have a proper position in the European Union and in our strategic relations, it is necessary to deal with it," Medvedev said at an international conference dedicated to the Russian-EU partnership and organized by the Russian International Affairs Council.
Medvedev said that he agreed with the thesis on the nature of the current crisis in Cyprus voiced at the conference.
"What did we agree not to do in 2008, in 2009 and not to do in 2013? Nothing has changed. The issue of trust and the issue of ensuring preservation of deposits remain, if we still consider ourselves adherents of market-based economy and private property," the Russian prime minister said.
