Joint news conference with President of Finland Sauli Niinisto
Vladimir Putin and Sauli Niinisto gave a joint news conference following bilateral talks.
July 27, 2017
17:30
Punkaharju
http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55175
President of Finland Sauli Niinisto (retranslated): Welcome! I am sorry for keeping you waiting, but we had a lot of interesting topics to discuss.
This year, Finland celebrates the 100th anniversary of its independence, and we very much appreciate the fact that President Putin came here and will join us in celebrating this event. At the same time, we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of relations between our countries.
Once again, welcome. We very much appreciate your presence here.
Currently, as befits good neighbours, we have extensive bilateral relations and ties. We are also witnessing some new life, an upswing in relations, as things are looking up in the economic sphere in both countries. There are more tourists going to both countries, and bilateral trade has picked up significantly.
We also have common goals that we are striving to achieve. Notable is the toxic waste disposal site, Krasny Bor, near St Petersburg. We discussed this issue last year. We made some progress, and samples were taken at this site. Indeed, our goal is to move forward in resolving this issue.
We also talked about the projects that were implemented in the Baltic Sea region. We mentioned the sewage treatment plants that were put into operation in Kaliningrad, and this also serves as a reminder about the Northern Dimension initiative, which has come to a standstill due to sanctions, but I believe that, nonetheless, we should not forget about it and keep it alive, at least in our thoughts, because Northern Dimension allowed us to achieve a lot of good things. We can mention the treatment facilities in St Petersburg, and now the treatment facilities in Kaliningrad, too.
We also talked about the security situation in the Baltic Sea region. We are planning major military exercises, West-2017 and Aurora. We are also keeping an eye on a certain intensification in the movement of military aircraft, ships, troops. In order for us to avoid negative consequences, situations that no one wants, we need to maintain dialogue.
I would also like for people here in Finland to see that not all is as bad as it seems and that progress has been made.
I also want to recall the interview that NATO Secretary General Mr Stoltenberg gave. He described the recent NATO-Russia Council meeting as constructive.
The need for this kind of ongoing dialogue is also clear from the discussions taking place in the working group at ICAO, in which the Russian Federation is represented, as well as the other Baltic Sea countries and NATO. Working in this format, we have reached agreement on best practice regarding aviation and flight safety. Discussion and examination of the issues related to turning on transponders during flights continue there, and in a positive spirit, as far as we know.
We also discussed matters related to Finland’s chairmanship of the Arctic Council. Our country has only just taken up its functions as chair. President Putin showed great understanding with regard to the idea I put forward, the idea that Finland would make a proposal that would be very difficult to reject. This proposal is about fighting black soot pollution. This pollution is caused by aging energy production facilities, power stations, and flaring associated gas. Fighting black soot pollution does not impair anyone’s economic interests.
We also discussed the situation in Ukraine, in which we see no improvement. The most urgent task would be to agree on a truce. It is possible and essential to move forward, even if with only small steps. Such steps could include an exchange of persons in custody, for example. It would be possible to begin with these kinds of small steps.
Our talks were very substantive and interesting. We did not even manage to discuss everything. We have not yet discussed Syria, for example, or disarmament, which is another issue I very much hoped to discuss. But during the boat trip we will have a chance to talk about these and other matters, and I think there will be some time for us to talk in the evening, too.
Thank you very much for an interesting discussion.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, ladies and gentlemen,
I want to start by thanking Mr Niinisto for the invitation, all the more so in this year when Finland is marking the 100th anniversary of its independence. In this connection, we have a big programme of joint cultural events.
As for our talks, they took place in the constructive and friendly atmosphere, traditional for our contacts. This was our second meeting this year. We also visited each other in 2016. I am sure that this political dialogue is most certainly a positive factor for stimulating development of our bilateral ties.
Mr Niinisto already mentioned that this year also marks the 25th anniversary of the treaty on the foundations of relations between Russia and Finland.
Today, we took a detailed look at the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation matters. We noted that our bilateral trade has picked up and posted an increase of close to 51 percent for the January-May period. Our common task is to support and do all we can to keep this pace going and preserve this trend. Our Intergovernmental Commission and Business Council are working on this.
I note the consistently high reciprocal interest of our countries’ business communities. Investment cooperation continues to develop. Russia’s direct investment in Finland came close to $3 billion in 2016, and Finland’s investment in Russia came to nearly $4 billion, even more if investment made via Finnish companies’ subsidiaries in other countries is counted.
We are carrying out a number of big projects, particularly in the energy sector. They include the Hanhikivi 1 nuclear power station. Preparatory work is fully underway at the site, equipment is being delivered, and the first tranche of our loan, about one billion euros, has been transferred. Let me remind you that the total amount of financing is five billion euros. Half of this will be financed from Russian government resources and half by Rosatom.
We are also working on renewable energy sources. The company Fortum, for example, and our Rusnano are establishing a fund with more than $500 million to develop wind energy.
Companies such as Valio and Nokian Tyres continue to develop their business activities. Our company Biokad plans to organise production of chemical and biological products in Turku. Yandex is launching a data storage centre in Finland’s Uusimaa region, and there are other interesting projects too.
During the talks we noted the efficient work of the environmental agencies of both countries. Mr Niinisto has already mentioned our joint work on hazardous waste at the Krasny Bor dump site near St Petersburg. We have just started this work. The renovation of Kaliningrad’s water supply system has been completed. This is a very serious, large step in ensuring environmental safety in the Baltic area in general. We intend to continue expanding our bilateral cooperation in environmental protection.
We highly value that our Finnish partners strive to conduct an independent and balanced foreign policy and consider it to be a major factor of stability in the north of Europe. Naturally, we are ready to continue dialogue with Finland and all interested states on enhancing security in the region.
We still have to discuss the settlement process in Syria. I promised to inform my colleague in detail about it but right now I can say that in our view the main task is to stop the bloodshed once and for all and ensure the necessary conditions for a peaceful political settlement. Then the Syrians should decide, in a broad-based dialogue under the aegis of the UN and on the basis of Security Council Resolution 2254, what kind of country they want to live in.
I shared with the President the particulars of developments related to Ukraine’s domestic crisis.
We continued our exchange of views on the issues I discussed with Mr Niinisto at the Arctic: Territory of Dialogue forum in Arkhangelsk on March 30. We agreed to build up our cooperation in the region, in particular, considering Finland’s Chairmanship of the Arctic Council. I listened with interest to the President’s ideas on potential ecological cooperation in the Arctic. Needless to say, we can certainly do much in this area if we combine our efforts.
I would like to thank our hosts for their hospitality and cordial reception. I would also like to thank Finnish citizens who met us on our way to this hotel for their friendly and warm attitude. They greeted me with friendly waves. I cannot wave back to each of them but I want to say hello to them through the Finnish media.
Question from Yle (retranslated): My question concerns the military exercises conducted jointly by China and Russia in the Baltic Sea. I would like to ask President Putin: What message are China and Russia sending to others, what message do they want to send to other countries located in the Baltic Sea region?
My second question is for President Niinisto: What does Finland think about this? What thoughts come to mind?
Vladimir Putin: With regard to Russia-China interaction, it is a full-scale and very broad strategic partnership that includes economy, politics, military-technical cooperation, and purely military affairs. We have been regularly conducting military exercises for many years now, and participating in what is called war games and contests for many years now. To reiterate, we do so both on land and at sea.
The cooperation of Russia and the People’s Republic of China in its entirety, including the military component, is a critical element of international security and stability. It is not directed against any third country. We are not creating military blocs or military alliances. In this case, our militaries are simply honing their skills, interacting, and this again sets a good example for cooperation in any region of the world, including the Baltics. We respect the neutral status of certain states of the Baltic region. However, we are ready for any form of interaction with the neutral states as well.
We decided to revive the Main Naval Parade, which will be held in St Petersburg soon. Make no mistake, it is not about brandishing arms, but reviving traditions that are more than 100 years old. In fact, such a parade was held earlier, perhaps on a slightly smaller scale, on Russian Navy Day. We invite everyone to come to St Petersburg and enjoy the show. We are ready to invite our partners and countries of the region to participate in this event, and are ready to make it happen as a collaborative effort. Thank you.
Sauli Niinisto: As far as I understand, and as President Putin mentioned, indeed, this is not the first time such exercises are conducted jointly by Chinese and Russian naval forces, or joint military exercises in general. The Chinese Navy was also in the Mediterranean, and now they are here in the Baltic Sea. Also, as far as I understand, in order to maintain combat readiness and military skills, it is important to conduct exercises in various conditions. Conducting these exercises here in the Baltic Sea does not imply that they are intended precisely for these conditions, it is just that it is important to conduct such exercises in variety of conditions.
Importantly, Finland also conducts such exercises, and takes part in the exercises that take place here in the Baltic region. We will be taking part in major exercises named Aurora off the coast of Sweden. Of course, the Swedish forces will be the main participant, but other states, including the United States, will also take part. The purpose of the Aurora exercises is also not about brandishing arms or forming any blocs against someone, either. But as long as we live in a world with armies and military forces, we must bear in mind that such exercises will be conducted no matter what.
Pavel Minakov, Interfax: A question for both presidents.
At present we are noticing modest but positive dynamics in the development of bilateral trade, as noted at the news conference. At the same time it is difficult not to see that new and quite serious political risks are being added to the continuing economic risks. This, in turn, is exerting pressure on economic factors. Do you have apprehensions that the modest positive dynamics are threatened by the current situation in the world?
Vladimir Putin: We live in a complicated, contradictory and very fragile world. The task of the people who do the work we were called upon to do is to avoid these risks, curb and minimise them, and to work on areas and ways of cooperation that would lead us to development, to the consolidation of international relations, the economy and improved living standards for our citizens. This is what our meeting today was about. As for the future, we will have to wait and see. We will respond to emerging problems.
Sauli Niinisto: Yes, indeed, it is just as you said. There are risks and threatening factors in this world, for instance climate change. We discussed this issue when we reviewed our agenda in the context of our chairmanship of the Arctic Council. In addition, we have rampant migration and these flows are probably partially determined by the first factor mentioned – climate change – and may grow in the future as a result. And, thirdly, there are wars – armed clashes and conflicts that are heating up in many places in this world.
We need an open spirit of global cooperation on all of these issues. I believe in dialogue, and I believe it is possible to find solutions via dialogue.
Matthew Chance, CNN: First, I have a question for President Putin. President Putin, with these US congressional investigations – and they are thoroughly underway – into allegations of Russian meddling in the US election, and with the possibility of US sanctions being tightened shortly, do you sometimes sit in your office in the Kremlin thinking about how badly US-Russian relations are going and regretting the day that Donald Trump was elected?
Vladimir Putin: First, as for the election of the President of the United States, this is not our business, and it is not up to us to assess Mr Trump’s performance in his very high office. This is up to the American people. And the second point.
Remark by CNN: We also have a question to the Finnish President.
Vladimir Putin: Wait a second, I have something else to say.
Remark by CNN: Sorry.
Vladimir Putin: I was just waiting for the English translation. As regards the investigations you have mentioned, I do not think it is an investigation, because an investigation would imply considering all the circumstances, examining the causes and hearing from different parties. What we are seeing is merely growing anti-Russian hysteria. Most likely, Russophobic tools are being used for domestic political purposes, in this case the fight between President Trump and his political opponents in the United States.
It is a great pity that Russian-US relations are sacrificed in the course of resolving internal US political issues.
Answering your question on whether I regret the worsening of Russian-US relations, I can answer directly: of course we regret this. It is a shame, because if we worked together, we could resolve the pressing issues that concern both Russia and the United States much more efficiently. I am speaking of solving acute international crises, tackling terrorism, nature conservation, resolving environmental problems, handling illegal migration, fighting organised crime and so on, and contributing to economic development ultimately. But we know we have many friends in the United States, and there are many sober-minded people. I hope that someday the current state of affairs will come to an end and we will move on to a qualitatively different kind of relationship, which we will strengthen and boost in the interests of the people of the United States and the Russian Federation.
Question, CNN: Yes, we also have a question for the Finnish President. It seems that Finland has to balance between Russia and its US allies, but now a certain split is emerging in the United States. Do you think anti-Russian sanctions should be toughened or do you share the opinion of President Trump and his desire to improve relations with Russia?
Sauli Niinisto: As for balance, I just want to remind you that at this event, an American TV company asked double the questions as others.
Yes, Finland is building relations with neighbouring countries. We have good, balanced relations with Russia. Finland is also building relations with other countries, the EU, and the United States. This is not about Finland balancing between these powers; this is about a process, an approach that should be used in other parts of the world as well. The point is that we are trying to understand each other.
As regards maintaining relations with Russia, I would like to cite the discussions that took place at the NATO summit in Warsaw last summer. Its participants spoke of the necessity and urgency of dialogue, and as far as I can tell, Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Emmanuel Macron are making such efforts as well, and I think this is very good.
Pavel Zarubin, Rossiya TV channel: Good afternoon, my name is Pavel Zarubin, Rossiya TV channel. I have a question for both leaders. I would like to continue with the high-profile issue of the new US bill on toughening anti-Russian sanctions. Naturally, this issue is high-profile also because in the last few days and weeks we have been hearing very tough criticism of this bill from many key European politicians and European agencies.
After all, what is happening is that the United States wants to apply its laws to the territories of other countries, EU countries, and to make its bill transnational. Have you discussed this issue? What is your attitude to it? After all, as far as I understand, the independence and economic security interests of other countries are at stake.
And I have a question for the President of Russia. If this bill is adopted, what will be Russia’s response? What will it be like? Are any Russian-US contacts possible on this matter? For instance, a telephone conversation with the US President. Thank you.
Vladimir Putin: As for the transnational character of US legislation, I have been talking about this for a long time, since 2007 (I think I spoke in Munich about this). It is exactly as I said. This practice is unacceptable – it is destroying international relations and international law. We have never accepted it and will not accept it. As for the reaction of other states of the world, it depends on the extent of their sovereignty and readiness to defend their own national interests.
If the same happens in this case, it will cause particular regret because these actions will have aggravating factors. I would call them particularly cynical because they amount to an obvious attempt to use one’s geopolitical advantages in the competitive struggle in order to protect one’s economic interests at the expense of one’s allies, as in this case.
We have not seen the final version yet and we do not have a final opinion on this matter. But we see that for a long period of time, there have been ongoing attempts to provoke us – many Russian diplomats were expelled with no explanation of the reason and diplomatic property was seized, which is beyond comprehension as it violates fundamental norms of international law regarding diplomatic relations. The sanctions are absolutely illegal from the perspective of international law and they violate the principles of international trade and World Trade Organisation rules. As you know, we are being very restrained and patient, but at some point we will have to respond. We cannot tolerate this loutish behaviour towards our country forever. But how we respond will depend on the final version of the bill that is being debated in the US Senate.
In any case, we believe that whatever happens in the immediate future, in the long term we will certainly reach some strategic level of cooperation and agreement. I hope that ultimately this is what will happen.
Sauli Niinisto: I do not quite agree with you with respect to imposing sanctions and observing laws. Probably, the rationale behind this is that there are certain assertions and concerns regarding the process of the US election.
And, as you have rightly pointed out, a very heated debate on this matter has begun in the EU. For instance, the President of the European Commission, Mr Juncker, mentioned this and posed this question. This issue is difficult and sensitive for the EU, and it is necessary to start the discussions between the EU and the United States as the proposed sanctions will have a direct impact not just on Russia but on other countries as well. This is why the EU is intensifying efforts on this matter. I support Mr Putin in saying that we should try to better understand each other in the world, and I believe this would be in everyone’s interests.
Thank you.
Well, I think I quite like this Finnish President – admittedly, solely on the basis of this one transcript. But how refreshing to hear wisdom in a joint press conference coming from the other person, not just President Putin.
On the question of balance, he said, let us note that a US news agency asked twice the amount of questions compared to the rest of the world – what a sublime observation to make in real time. It speaks volumes of the culture of understanding behind the necessary hedging that has to be made as the US works out its bullying and its angst over these new sanctions.
On days like this, with conferences like this, I think that peace is not only possible, but the actual birthright of humans on this planet. As long as there are armies there will be military exercises, he said – what an elder, peaceable view this seems to be coming from this Finn.
And I have always heard that the Finns are a tough people. I can imagine with Russia as a neighbor it would pay to know one’s mind.
~~
And yes, I note that Russia gives notice its patience is not infinite – but I’m sure this will be discussed here. Thanks for posting, Saker and crew.
Common sense still can previal and lets hope Finland follows through.
Well the patience has now come to an end for Russia following the Senate approval of these ridiculous and self defeating sanctions:
https://www.rt.com/news/397809-russia-us-diplomats-sanctions/
“Sanctions retaliation: Russia tells US to cut embassy staff, stop using storage facilities and dacha in Moscow.”
The response has started with more tit for tat to follow.
Two normal leaders who behave with proper intent and common sense to achieve a prosperous relationship.
Finland has nothing to fear from Russia. It’s great threats come from EU and the Hegemon.
They should maintain independence and think of their own future with a Eurasia that will bring them great opportunities over the decades ahead.
I agree
I REALLY like this article. I know it is just a transcript etc, but I this is one of those ‘feel good’ nice news items that seem to be lacking in the world.
I had a discussion with a colleague a few months ago about Finland joining NATO. I thought it was on the cards; but my colleague didn’t. The conversation went like this. He said that “Finland is basically untouchable.”
Me: “Huh?”
Him: “Think about it. The value of Finland being neutral, having a small army which Russia could push aside in days; and Russia respecting Finland for it’s Neutrality; is worth way more politically that any perceived value Russia could possibly hope to gain from it my invading it.
I wondered why he bought that up. So, Me: “I don’t get it.”
Him: “Finland could almost do whatever it wanted whilst it is neutral and Russia simply wouldn’t be willing to risk the political and international consequences of touching it.”
Me: “… Y-e-a-h.”
Him: “But as soon as Finland joined NATO Finland would be deemed the ultimate threat to St Petersburg and Russia would have to act.”
Me: “Good point. Didn’t think of that.”
Him: “If I was Putin I would almost be paying Finland to stay neutral and keeping the U$ as far away from St Petersburg as possible. It would be worth it militarily and financially to pay them to stay out of NATO.”
He then went on talking about Karelia and gas and lots of other stuff. Basically it was a really interesting conversation. I have more respect for Finland after reading this too.
Just thought I’d mention it.
Regarding Finland and Nato you are correct. A war between Nato and Russia, I don’t know who would ultimately win. But the only thing I know is that as a member of Nato, Finland would be the first one to lose the war. The only thing why most Finnish politicians want it because they can potentially get to cash in at the big boys table. Most of them are spineless and selfish dicks that can’t see past their nose.No other logic at all, and it would kill the flourishing trade and growth potential in emerging Eurasian markets for Finnish companies. There will always be others inside Eurasia to fill the void, and what’s necessary will be invented inside it.
Finland has a lot more value for trade and other bargaining issues being neutral, or then they can become crushed by turning into a full blown vassal with every sovereign right removed, and as we know from many parts of the world, natural resources stolen by corporate America and EU. Why would they risk killing all the advantages they possess?
Interesting read the Finnish president however personable he sounds – does not sound any different to the EU line.
just my thoughts:
in his last sentence, Niinisto is basically OK with USA sanctioning Russia as long as
the EU doesn’t suffer. i’ say Niinisto is a typical western duplicitous filth.
This is a global showdown, but it’s a lot more complicated than it looks.
When an aggrieved party (like yourself and much of the human race) seeks legal redress and shows up outside the courtroom with his attorneys, he is an emotional plaintiff and is quite upset when his attorneys meet the enemy (defense) attorneys on personally cordial terms, discussing families,shared professional experiences, and other non-case related matters.etc..
The newbie plaintiff wants his attorneys to attack, to snarl and bite even before testimony begins.
Soon the wiser plaintiff gets over such emotions.Which good attorneys will explain are apt to turn their client into a horrible witness. And a loser.
Niinisto’s job is the defense and survival of Finns, not the useless provocation of others who have the power to do great harm to Finland unless he controls his emotions and treads quite carefully.
Meanwhile the real defendant in this situation is the financial oligarchy behind the bancrupt City of London and Wall Street minions using NATO against the inteerests of the great majority of human beings on the planet.
This defendant, like Bernie Madoff, has been runing a gigantic Ponzi scheme ever since August 1971. The game is finally up. The defendants are desperate to keep the plaintiffs from comprehending the full extent of the fraud perpetrated. And they have enormously more tools at their disposal than Madoff had to rig the court and skate free to continue their victimization of the human race.
And, in this case, the plaintiffs are more ignorant, divided, confused, and emotional.
I see Niinisto and Putin (and in much rarer instances, even Trump!) trying to maneuver in this enormously difficult situation to educate their clients and box in the defendant, before those desperate criminals blow up the whole courthouse and planet on which the court of public opinion sits, to avoid long prison sentences, or even the death penalty..Or worse, the confiscation of their ill-gotten gains. LOL.
Thanks for publishing this! It’s good to know that practical cooperation is still going on, underneath all the noise and rhetoric. Also good to know that Finland is building more nuclear power while the rest of the Western world returns to idiot “renewables”, which really means coal.
Canada should take a note of this event for its own good.
Since Trudeau became Prime Minister, his priorities are euthanasia, recreational marijuana, flying the rainbow flag over parliament, passing bill C-16 which includes a two year jail sentence plus fines for calling a transgender person by his/her birth name. He continues to lead any and all homosexual day parades across Canada. The media in Canada hasn’t discovered him at any normal day parades supporting family consisting of heterosexuals.
With the conclusion of world war 2 Canada took in many Ukrainian Nazis. They were used to continue the cold war between the USSR and the west. Today there are about 1.2 million people with a Ukrainian background that have integrated their nationalistic views that are based on fascism, part of their multicultural identity. Today the only thing that matters is the support of those 1.2 million voters and nothing else. That is why Canada has sent their military to train those Ukrainians to kill their brothers in Donbass. Now the Canadian military is even on the front line directing the Ukrainian army. Funny when last year Canada’s elite members instructed the Ukrainians to watch how it is done when entering enemy territory. Well eleven members were killed, ironic isn’t it.
Can you really imagine Trudeau trying to have an intellectual conversation with Putin, what would he mumble about? The only audible words from Trudeau would be AH, AH. He is more interested in exposing his funny socks that he wears.
It can be said that Harper/Trudeau gave Canada to the Fascist Ukrainians from the ISIS province of Al Burdah, in return for temporary rule. The position of Foreign Minister, is the greatest ‘goodie’ the Ukrainians got in return for handing the election to Harper first and then Trudeau, showing how Ukro-Fascism is their credo, not Liberalism or Conservatism. Chrystia Freeland is now positioned to take the leadership of the Liberal Party and will remove anyone in her way ruthlessly in order to achieve that goal and then the Premiership. Canada, though a lesser one of the Five Eyes (+Israel) is still a prize for the now failed state of Ukraine. After all, 30 million Ukrainians need to be removed for Monsanto and the Third (now Fourth) Reich policy of ‘Lebensraum’ – ‘room to spread’.
Here is Freeland’s background and a measure of her lack of integrity: https://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2017/03/02/nazi-skeleton-in-family-closet.html
Also addressing Franz, on July 28, 2017 · at 7:03 pm UTC:
Justin:
I prefer to sully the legacy of the actions of the father, Prime Minister, Pierre Elliot Trudeau, the son has turned out (so far) to be a huge disappointment, having had the best marketing and branding campaign in the history of Canadian politics, but 90% of the same policies as the dictator Harper (still lurking around, enabling things towards global enslavement of the 99.9%, and ultimately, destruction of the planet. The 10% variation has been for ‘public policy publicity stunts’. (try saying that three times fast, aloud, in public, and it could get you into trouble with the gender correctness police).
That being said, the entire system of governance and electoral system is well-penetrated by the factions amongst the 0.1 %. As noted by me before, they assume control of the once-removed systems, in Canada’s case, the party leadership contests, (like the DNC in the last U.S. round; almost exactly the same); as evidence, see the strange come from way back victor of the recent Canadian Conservative party leadership contest, by Andrew Scheer.
In the other perennial 3rd party in Canadian federal politics, the NDP (New Democratic Party) will be replacing the establishment mole, who is the leader now, Thomas Mulcair; the media darling candidate, and GQ magazine interviewee, Jagmeet Singh, http://www.gq.com/story/jagmeet-singh-interview is an interesting candidate, was until running for the federal top job, a member in the Ontario legislature, with seemingly excessive media backing for his actual accomplishments, but described at “The Most Stylish Politician In Canada By Like A Million Kilometres”, by BuzzFeed https://www.buzzfeed.com/tanyachen/meet-the-most-stylish-politician-in-canada . Maybe he could be great, but all of the bona-fide hype, makes me suspicious, and in the end, regardless of how “open” and “accepting” Cnadaians are in the waking-consciousness mind, the seeds of distrust have been sewn deep against turban-wearing men, and regardless of one’s position on it, it ultimately means that he is unelectable; it may be able to happen one day, but that day has not yet come.
But he might just win the leadership campaign.
So, Justin will go against a man who used to lobby for the pro-lifers, on one hand, and a turban-wearing man on the other hand.
The liberals will thus be able to win an even larger majority for their questionable, and continually morphing agenda.
I’m not exactly agreeing/disagreeing with your statements, Anonymous, Anonymous, and Franz, but there are so many fundamental issues with the governance of Canada, under the Justin regime, and the regime before him, that the public policy publicity stunts are just static, taking people’s attention away from the real issues, namely, a. the failure of the electoral system to enable a government representing the 99% – electoral reform to prevent the special interest factions from controlling the agenda, b. system of governance – the system must be monitored and measured transparently against their platforms, and enlightened by details of who/what is contributing towards their political careers, c. protection of personal rights, freedoms, and privacy for all, i.e. bill C-51, brought in by Harper, opens the door to legal police state surveillance, and Justin is just tossing his hair.
Unfortunately, there is just no one on the horizon to a. be able to beat Justin in an election, and b. to fix the issues currently causing a dramatic deterioration of standard of life for the 99%.
Finland and the leadership:
Finns are cool people. Per capita, the highest representation of hockey players in the National Hockey League (BTW: “National” = the nation being Canada, even though there are more teams in the U.S.A.), which automatically, for me, strongly suggests ‘good’)
The Finns have the most advanced, humanistic, education system on the planet, bar none, they are at least a generation ahead, in terms of pragmatic, functional, and non-enslavement education systems, to the next best, possibly Denmark.
Finland played the nexus between the ‘West’ and the Soviet Union, during the last cold war, they, possibly as well as any nation, understand both sides.
As far as I know, Finland is NOT in NATO, and for their sake, (and everybody’s, really), I hope they remain not in.
The coolest racing car driver, at the top level of this admittedly, perverse, ‘sport’, is a Finnish guy.
Chrystia Freeland
article cited by Franz is a good one, factually accurate and very indicative: https://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2017/03/02/nazi-skeleton-in-family-closet.html
She replaced a highly capable and respected politician (how many of those really exist?), Stéphane Dion, somewhat inexplicably, and while the Montreal Gazette here suggests it was related to defending a largish weapons sale to the Saudi regime, the full truth had to do more with mentioning some inconvenient facts about another, smaller country in the Middle East, and that is not tolerated in Canadian governments, any more http://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/stephane-dion-quits-political-life-after-being-dumped-from-trudeau-cabinet
His expulsion was probably assured when he publically said “…re-engaging with Iran, Russia in Canada’s self-interest” http://nationalpost.com/news/canada/foreign-affairs-minister-stephane-dion-says-re-engaging-with-iran-russia-in-canadas-self-interest/wcm/2c077d9f-03ae-4ded-8371-91eff9e6e9fb , because, as anyone paying attention in Canada knows, there are some small minority’s interests, which are priority over the 99% interest in Canada, these days.
Freeland is a disaster, there is zero probability that she would mention any… inconvenient facts about a little nation in the Middle East, colonizing territory and systematically destroying the indigenous population at a generational timeframe.
Then there is the Ukraine thing… coincidence!?
Above and beyond what could be accurately described as her Russia hatred, (and implicit thrilled support of the western sponsored coup d’etat in the Ukraine), one can assess her proximity to the neoliberal faction by her trite comments concerning the ‘fair-and’square-victor-of-the-2016_US_Presidential_election_2016-whatever-you-think-of him’, take your pick of news articles, here’s one: http://www.businessinsider.com/canada-chrystia-freeland-trump-2017-6?international=true&r=US&IR=T
… a disaster, but indicative of Justin, one way, or another.
Justin, “…trying to have an intellectual conversation with Putin. …”
You never know, maybe the air-head brand is a front for a highly geopolitically in turn and astute mind.
I’d rather watch a fight between them, or a hockey one-on-one between them.
Unfortunately for Canada, Putin would again be looking very good.
Putin continues to take the high road, and the U.S./empire toadies continue to look weaker, and weaker in their pathetic disarray and blatantly anti-social behaviour.
Putin, again and again, plays the role of pragmatist on global relations, to perfection.
I am happy to note that the Finnish President, Sauli Niinisto, has a very pragmatic and realistic message, which I think accurately represents the majority of the pragmatic, well-educated people of Finland; I wish there were more European Union heads of state like him, and countries with a similar level of education as the Finnish people.
One must again note that we can hardly be confident in our opinion of the POTUS, due to the seditionary activities of the competing factions, aligned to the absurd, corrupt, and wildly inaccurate ‘western’ mainstream media.
We must all be wary of the ‘deep states’ insane drive towards war, regardless of the well-being of the majority of global citizens and more moderate factions within ‘The Empire’.
On the Russian-Chinese military and other normalized relations: what are they supposed to do?!
The ‘civil war’ in the empire, as it is emerging in the U.S.A. is currently the most dangerous event in the world today; i.e. (but not limited to) arming jihadists in the Middle East, and then fighting against them (supposedly) on the other hand.
“The cooperation of Russia and the People’s Republic of China in its entirety, including the military component, is a critical element of international security and stability. It is not directed against any third country.”
Except those countries not interested in international security and stability. Point taken.
“… the Northern Dimension initiative, which has come to a standstill due to sanctions, but I believe that, nonetheless, we should not forget about it and keep it alive, at least in our thoughts, because Northern Dimension allowed us to achieve a lot of good things.”
This simple paragraph is a statement of unusually genuine, sensitive intelligence. Very good, Putin goes to Finland to meet Sauli Niinisto, people hear about the Northern Dimension initiative from the president of a European country, a new perspective between east west lights up.
The USA has nothing to do with any ‘West’ any longer (if it ever did). It has to do with a vertical axis and the direction of it is ‘down’.
The vertical axis “down” is not defined by geographical context. “Western” countries are defined traditionally by the direction of the setting sun.
Taken as a spacial dynamic of the downwards direction of a vertical fall my point is the same ; a new angle of perception lights up for a moment, or for ever.
I should have specified that the ‘vertical axis’ I referred to is neither spatial nor geographical, it is mystical/theological.
It’s still the same. Vertical axis of “down” fall of of nations, political suicide, collapse of dynasties,,destruction of dynasties from within. Inner space, whether of vertical dynamics or outspreading, horizontal nature, are connected. Or why talk of heaven up and hell down.
That’s enough philosophy.
100% correct — Putin is on point (as usual) on the utter bogus subject of Russian interference in the US Presidential Election. And it would have been absolutely hilarious to hear Putin tell the despicable CNN that ‘since Russians are an indisputably inferior people, this kind of sophisticated technological interference — against the US, mind you — is well beyond the intellectual tenacity of all Russians past and present; end of story’. Like: ‘You guys seem to have changed your mind. Aren’t we Untermenschen any longer? The worse for you’.