Edward Lucas: treat Gazprom like Microsoft

At the International Press Institute* World Congress in Helsinki, the Eastern European correspondent for The Economist Edward Lucas declared that Europe must get tough with Russia and pursue greater energy independence from Moscow.

The IPI panel, moderated by CNN anchor and correspondent Jim Clancy, also included Anatoly Adamishin, former Russian and USSR ambassador and Brahma Chellaney, whom the IHT refers to as "one of India's top strategic thinkers."

Jim Clancy: How many journalists think Russia poses a danger to its smaller neighbors?

Nigerian journalist: (Alleges Gazprom is involved in espionage in Nigeria - that the company has exerted heavy pressure on the Nigerian gas industry.)

Anatoly Adamishin: I'm not here to defend my government. I am not on their pay list anymore.

Russia's decline is the story of volatile oil prices. Higher prices mean less pressure to diversify economy.

Edward Lucas: That question from the Nigerian journalist was important. It concerns Europe sleepwalking to disaster on energy. Europe won't build the pipeline it needs and wants. Europe should treat Gazprom as it treats Microsoft. Its far worse than Microsoft. Russia has to play by the rules. Though lots don't.... Must clean up financial system -- it is used and abused by corrupt. This will hit the Kremlin ...

Jotman live-blogged the entire panel discussion which mainly concerned climate change. See "What kind of bear is Russia?" See also Russian Jotman contributor Sanjuro's response: "Should Europe get tough with Russia?"
____
* "The International Press Institute is a global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists . . . dedicated to the furtherance and safeguarding of press freedom, the protection of freedom of opinion and expression, the promotion of the free flow of news and information, and the improvement of the practices of journalism."