MOSCOW. Dec 28 (Interfax) - Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has said that the Russian government is following what is happening in Europe with anxiety. "We have 51% of our trade turnover with Europe. They are failing to overcome the difficulties. We follow this with anxiety," he said at Wednesday meeting with the press.
He said many European countries have gone into recession. "Look what is happening to unemployment there. In Greece unemployment is around 17%, in Spain - 22.8%. That goes out of any limits," he said.
Putin voiced hope that decisions to strengthen the European Union; to stabilize the financial sector will be made. "The Federal Republic [of Germany], France are acting quite persistently and consistently in this respect. Nevertheless, I believe that the European Central Bank will be involved in decision-making to a greater extent," he said.
Putin also voiced hope that balanced decisions will be made to consolidate European institutions and that arguments will not lead to paralysis.
"I don't have any apocalyptic assumptions. I would want them [Europeans] to succeed. And if we continue working in concert, we will grandly climb out. Even though threats are numerous," Putin added.
MOSCOW. Dec 28 (Interfax) - Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has said that the Russian government is following what is happening in Europe with anxiety.
"We have 51% of our trade turnover with Europe. They are failing to overcome the difficulties. We follow this with anxiety," he said at Wednesday meeting with the press.
He said many European countries have gone into recession. "Look what is happening to unemployment there. In Greece unemployment is around 17%, in Spain - 22.8%. That goes out of any limits," he said.
Putin voiced hope that decisions to strengthen the European Union; to stabilize the financial sector will be made. "The Federal Republic [of Germany], France are acting quite persistently and consistently in this respect. Nevertheless, I believe that the European Central Bank will be involved in decision-making to a greater extent," he said.
Putin also voiced hope that balanced decisions will be made to consolidate European institutions and that arguments will not lead to paralysis.
"I don't have any apocalyptic assumptions. I would want them [Europeans] to succeed. And if we continue working in concert, we will grandly climb out. Even though threats are numerous," Putin added.