#4 - JRL 9032 - JRL Home
Russian Expert Predicts Good Relations Between Putin, Ukrainian Leader

MOSCOW. Jan 24 (Interfax) - Director of the Institute of Political Studies Sergei Markov said good relations are likely to be established between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents.

"In fact, Vladimir Putin and Viktor Yushchenko have much more in common than differences, which, unexpectedly for many, may lay a solid foundation for good relations," Markov told Interfax on Monday.

He said: "They have common features precisely as politicians." "They are people of the same generation, use the same cultural code since they watched the same films and read the same books. They speak foreign languages, actively deal with the West and have set the task of maximum rapprochement with Europe," said Markov.

"One of their main ideas is a anti-oligarchic domestic policy and both presidents consider themselves presidents of ordinary people, not elites - people with whom they discuss moral problems, rather than purely political and economic ones," the expert said.

As for differences between the two leaders, Markov said that "Yushchenko is a gentle person, prone to vacillation, long speeches and compromise.

"Putin, by contrast, is a tough person, who is prepared to make radical decisions and assume full responsibility," he said.

"I think, however, that they will manage to establish contacts," said Markov.