Washington to push back support offered by Russia to the breakaway regions in Moldova and Georgia

The US Department of State has revealed its "strategic plan" for foreign policy in 2007-2012. A key part of the document is dedicated to America's long-term diplomatic goals in the post-Soviet space, particularly with regard to Russia. “We will engage with Russia where we can do so productively, while continuing to stand firm—with the support of our European and other allies—for the values of democracy, human rights, and freedom and push back on negative Russian behavior”, the document entitled “Joint Strategic Plan” reads. The plan mentions the priorities established by the US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for the next five years in the field of foreign policy for the US Department of State and the US Agency for International Development. “We aim to work with Russia on issues of common interest such as cooperation on counter-terrorism and non-proliferation, but increasing centralization of power, pressure on NGOs and civil society, a growing government role in the economy, and restrictions on media freedom have all emerged as clear and worrisome trends. Russian weapon sales to such states as Iran, Syria, and Venezuela are also cause for great concern throughout the international community”, the document mentions. Also, Bush administration is concerned about Russia’s policy toward its neighbors, especially Moscow’s support for separatist regions in Georgia and Moldova, its political and economic pressure against Georgia, and its monopolistic use of energy to pressure neighboring states and gain control of infrastructure and strategic assets. “We seek to consolidate new democracies in Georgia, Ukraine, and Moldova by fighting corruption and assisting economic reforms”, is said in the cited document which mentions that “as these countries break with their Soviet past and move closer to European and Euro-Atlantic institutions, we (the USA) need to continue to provide our support, encouragement, and technical advice”. In this respect the United States mean that “diversifying energy sources, increasing transparency, and improving the efficiency of energy usage will bolster regional energy security”. Central and Eastern Europe is still seen by the Washington administration as the “outskirts of Europe”, Charles Gatti, American experts in the problems of the regions stated. According to him, the USA does not consider the countries of this region as strategic as the role the Western Europe has played. However, the former soviet countries directed toward America, seen as the guarantor of Security, and toward EU, considered the most important source of economic support.