A TEST OF MATURITY:

DAVOS-Top Kremlin official Medvedev woos world forum (Clara Ferreira-Marques, Jan 27, 2007, Reuters)

Reserved at home, [Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry] Medvedev appeared relaxed and chatty at the forum, leading a Russian charm offensive aimed at restoring a national image tarnished by spats with its neighbours and accusations that Moscow wields its huge resources as a diplomatic weapon of blunt nationalism.

In his keynote speech in the Swiss mountain resort of Davos, he outlined a three-point plan for Russia's development: diversify the economy, overhaul infrastructure and develop human capital.

He then concluded in fluent English.

"We realise the problems we are facing -- excessive dependence on (natural resources), corruption, a declining population," he said, adding Russia would woo the West not with force but with its achievements, while also protecting its own strategic assets.

"We are not trying to push anyone to love Russia." [...]

Quizzed on the succession, Medvedev said a transparent process would be a test of the maturity of Russian democracy.

"As I see it, the difference between a democratic state and a non-democratic state is the path to power," he said.

The hope all along has been that after Mr. Putin used a period of rather authoritarian measures to regain control of the country he would be able to hand over power to more liberal forces.

Posted by Orrin Judd at January 29, 2007 9:00 PM