Transcript of Remarks and Replies to Media Questions by Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov Following Talks with Algerian Minister of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed Bedjaoui, Moscow, April 13, 2007

Unofficial translation from Russian

Foreign Minister Lavrov: Dear colleagues, it is very pleasant for me to welcome Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed Bedjaoui to Moscow on a return visit after I visited the hospitable land of Algeria at the end of 2005. We noted the ongoing development of Russian-Algerian relations, including active work on the implementation of the accords that were reached during the last summit, when Russian President Vladimir Putin in March last year visited Algiers and held very important talks with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

Over the 45 years of diplomatic relations between our country and Algeria they have stood the test of time and now represent strategic partnership relations in the political, commercial, economic, energy and other fields. We outlined steps for their continued development, primarily in terms of diversifying mutual trade, expanding direct contacts between business circles of the two countries and strengthening the juridical base of cooperation. We expect that on these issues supplementary concrete decisions will be adopted in the course of an upcoming visit to Algeria by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov.

Internationally Russia and Algeria adhere to similar positions, very similar or coinciding positions, the essence of which lies in the necessity to rely on international law and the central role of the United Nations and to seek a balance of interests in dealing with any problems, be it the Middle East, Iraq, Iran's nuclear program or the situation around any other conflict, including Western Sahara settlement.

I am certain that our present talks will enable us to concretize the Russian-Algerian strategic partnership further still and to act more effectively both in the development of bilateral relations and on the international scene.

Question: The West reacted very agitatedly after close cooperation between Russia and Algeria was announced. How is Algeria going to build its relations with the West, particularly after the meeting in Doha?

Foreign Minister Lavrov (answers after Bedjaoui): The minister has correctly stressed that there is no question of a cartel being created. At issue is the lawful right of gas producers to coordinate their actions so as to most reliably provide gas to those who consumer it. This absolutely fits into the concept that was endorsed at the G8 St. Petersburg summit and which presupposes security of not only supply, but of demand as well. We are going to honestly implement this concept in practice. I know that somebody is trying to rewrite it in retrospect. We are categorically against this. The agreement that was reached reflects a fair balance of interests. That's the guideline to follow.

Question: Today in The Guardian entrepreneur Berezovsky expressed himself in the following manner: "We need to use force to change this regime. It isn't possible to change this regime through democratic means." He also said he intends to make a revolution in Russia. Your commentaries?

Foreign Minister Lavrov: This question isn't for me, but for British law enforcement agencies in the first place. It's not the first time that such statements have been made. There is a long-standing request concerning the necessity to end the situation where Berezovsky enjoys the status of political "refugee" while grossly abusing it and committing acts which under British law presuppose his extradition. So that the question I think is primarily addressed to the UK authorities. They are well aware what this person engages in. I think that there are many competent lawyers in London who understand that calls for a forcible overthrow of the constitutional system in a foreign country are sufficient grounds to undertake appropriate legal measures.