Interfax: Arab peoples may not be able to adapt European democracy model – Kremlin [Sergei Ivanov]

Sergei Ivanov file photo

(Interfax – STOCKHOLM, September 23, 2013) Sergei Ivanov, the head of the Russian presidential administration, believes the Arab peoples may not be able to adapt the European model of democracy quickly.

“Yes, we support the Arab people’s ambitions for changes, for a better, calmer life. However, we understand very well that they will not be able to adapt the European model of democracy quickly. And maybe they will never be able to reproduce this model,” Ivanov told a plenary session of the 10th conference of the London international institute of strategic research Global Strategic Overview in Stockholm.

“Harmony in the modern world can hardly be achieved without respect for the rights of other peoples, other civilizations to independently determine their fates,” he said.

Ivanov recalled that he had voiced concerns about the euphoria about the “Arab spring” at the conference Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore a couple of years ago. “I assumed that the ‘spring’ could be followed by ‘fall’ and ‘winter.’ Unfortunately, if we analyze the events in Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, and to a certain extent in Mali in a comprehensive and objective way, it becomes obvious that my prediction is coming true,” Ivanov said.

Ivanov also said he is confident that “when settling conflicts one needs to proceed from a strategic, long-term vision of the situation, not base one’s judgments on the current needs of their election campaigns.”

Comment