Medvedev announces 'five principles' of Russian foreign policy

Moscow, Sep 1 (UNI) Russian President Dmitry Medvedev announced the 'five principles' of Russian foreign policy in future, saying Russia could, if necessary, introduce sanctions against other countries.

Speaking to Russia's TV channels at the Black Sea resort of Sochi last night, Mr Medvedev said the five princples were firstly, the superiority of the fundamental principles of international law.

The second principle was that the world must be multipolar.

''A unipolar world is unacceptable,'' he said, adding Russia could ''not accept a world order where all decisions are made by one side, even such a powerful one as the US.'' ''Such a world is unstable and threatened by conflicts,'' he stressed.

Thirdly, he said, Russia does not seek confrontation with any other country.

''Russia is not looking for isolation,'' President Medvedev said. ''We will develop, in as much as is possible, friendly ties with Europe, the US, and other countries in the world.'' Fourthly, Russia will protect the lives of its citizens, ''wherever they are.'' The fifth princple was that Moscow would seek to developties infriendly regions.

On the topic of Moscow introducing sanctions against other states, he said that these would be unproductive, adding that sanctions should only be used in ''extreme situations.'' Mr Medvedev was speaking ahead of an EU emergency meeting on Georgia, in Brussels being held today which is scheduled to discuss future relations with Russia.

A number of member states, including Britain and Poland, have called for sanctions against Moscow, as well as the postponement of talks on a new partnership and cooperation agreement with Russia.

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