Russian vice-speaker says he is ‘fond of Turkey’
The vice-speaker of Russia’s State Duma (lower house of parliament)
has expressed his affection for Turkey at an event held in Moscow
to mark the 86th anniversary of the Turkish Republic.
Vladimir Zhirinovsky, who chairs the Liberal-Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR), answered Turkish journalists’ questions in their native language. Further, the journalists asked how the vice-speaker had not forgotten the Turkish language he studied in university.
"I am fond of Turkey and the Turkish language sounds like music to me. I love Turkish cuisine as well," Zhirinovsky said.
Regarding Russia-Turkey relations, Zhirinovsky opposed what he believes is Ankara’s Western-leaning policy.
"You always look up to the West. The West is of no use to you. Turkey is like a sister for Russia. The relations between us should be broader. There is "Blue Stream" now and you are creating "South Stream." Turkey may be a transit country for Russia. We have gas and you have a pipeline."
The Blue Stream gas pipeline, which lies under the Black Sea, links Russia and Turkey. The South Stream pipeline is a Russian-backed project some consider as rival to the Nabucco pipeline, which seeks to deliver gas from the Caspian and Central Asia regions to European markets.
With regard to Turkey-Armenia relations, Zhirinovsky pointed to the importance of opening the border between the two countries and creating a railway link to transport cargo and passengers.
"The borders within Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, Abkhazia [Georgia’s breakaway republic] and the entire Black Sea region should be eliminated. What’s the use of customs and borders?
"It’s inappropriate to stand in line for European Union membership. What do you need it for? You’ve been waiting at the EU’s door for so many years," Zhirinovsky said.
The State Duma vice-speaker, who is known for making controversial and outspoken statements, also called Ukraine "Russia’s little sister."
"They are now independent. But the Russian flag will wave there again. Ukraine badly wants to become an EU member, but this is not going to happen. Everything is decided by two countries – the U.S. and Russia," Zhirinovsky opined.
He believes Russia will once become the sole superpower in the world, and other countries will not last long in case a possible "World War III" erupts.
"Barack Obama will be the last US president," Zhirinovsky said figuratively.*
Vladimir Zhirinovsky, who chairs the Liberal-Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR), answered Turkish journalists’ questions in their native language. Further, the journalists asked how the vice-speaker had not forgotten the Turkish language he studied in university.
"I am fond of Turkey and the Turkish language sounds like music to me. I love Turkish cuisine as well," Zhirinovsky said.
Regarding Russia-Turkey relations, Zhirinovsky opposed what he believes is Ankara’s Western-leaning policy.
"You always look up to the West. The West is of no use to you. Turkey is like a sister for Russia. The relations between us should be broader. There is "Blue Stream" now and you are creating "South Stream." Turkey may be a transit country for Russia. We have gas and you have a pipeline."
The Blue Stream gas pipeline, which lies under the Black Sea, links Russia and Turkey. The South Stream pipeline is a Russian-backed project some consider as rival to the Nabucco pipeline, which seeks to deliver gas from the Caspian and Central Asia regions to European markets.
With regard to Turkey-Armenia relations, Zhirinovsky pointed to the importance of opening the border between the two countries and creating a railway link to transport cargo and passengers.
"The borders within Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, Abkhazia [Georgia’s breakaway republic] and the entire Black Sea region should be eliminated. What’s the use of customs and borders?
"It’s inappropriate to stand in line for European Union membership. What do you need it for? You’ve been waiting at the EU’s door for so many years," Zhirinovsky said.
The State Duma vice-speaker, who is known for making controversial and outspoken statements, also called Ukraine "Russia’s little sister."
"They are now independent. But the Russian flag will wave there again. Ukraine badly wants to become an EU member, but this is not going to happen. Everything is decided by two countries – the U.S. and Russia," Zhirinovsky opined.
He believes Russia will once become the sole superpower in the world, and other countries will not last long in case a possible "World War III" erupts.
"Barack Obama will be the last US president," Zhirinovsky said figuratively.*
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