Russia Will Not Allow Infringement of Its Rights, Putin Says

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers addresses the Federal Assembly in the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia, December 01, 2016. EPA/BGNES

Russian Vladimir Putin has asserted that his country will decide for its own future and will fork for a system of international relations not based on pretence for “hegemony”.

“We don't want any controversy... Unlike some of our international counterparts who are looking for enemies, Russia has never looked for enemies,” Putin has said during his annual State of the National address to Parliament. “But we cannot permit our interests to be stepped over.”

Moscow looking for an “equal dialogue with mutial respect” and creating a “lasting, stable system of international relations for the future” based on diversity and respect for the rule of law, in his words.

He has accused “some of [Russia's] counterparts” of media censorship, in a possible reference to reluctance from the US State Department to reply to a Russia Today question in November.

On Western sanctions on Russia, he has said: "Every cloud has a silver lining."

Speaking at the Kremlin's St George hall, Putin has enumerated international partners such as the Eurasian Union, counterparts from BRICS and other Middle Eastern players. Strategic partnership between Russia and China is an essential part of international security, but good relations with India are also essential, he has made clear.

"We are willing to cooperate with the new US administration. It is time to organize our relations on equal footing... in the interest of the entire world."

He has highlighted the need to act on "real" threats such as terrorism in Syria and has hailed the contribution of his country's armed forces.

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