Deep Politics Forum

I believe that China is going to as well. Can't find my article for that at the moment.

Quote:Putin Ditches Dollar, Backs Euro

Putin - Euro should be World's Reserve Currency

Russia and Germany should dramatically increase their economic co-operation. That's the message from Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to some of Germany's top industrialists at a business forum in Berlin.

Video Posted November 26, 2010



Putin: Russia will Join the Euro One Day

By Louise Armitstead

November 26, 2010 "The Telegraph" - -Vladimir Putin said it is "quite possible" that Russia will one day join the eurozone and create a currency that would eclipse the US dollar as the global reserve standard.

Speaking at a conference in Germany the Russian prime minister, who is in the country for talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel, said he was convinced the euro would stabilise and strengthen despite the current sovereign debt crisis.

He said: "Yes, there are problems. But the economic policy of the European Central Bank and of the governments of leading European economies ... convinces me that the stability of the euro will be ensured."

He added: "We know there are problems in Portugal, Greece, Ireland and the euro is wobbling a bit. On the whole it is a solid, good currency and it should take its place, its role as a reserve currency."

Asked about Russia's role in the eurozone in the future, Mr Putin said: "Can it be supposed that one day Russia will be in some joint currency zone with Europe? Yes, quite possible."

Speaking at the same event, Josef Ackermann, chief executive of Deutsche Bank, echoed Mr Putin and said he could imagine Russia joining a common European currency.

Mr Putin said that for the past decade there has been a reliance on the dollar that needs to be rebalanced as it makes the world economy vulnerable. "We should move away from the excessive monopoly of the dollar as the only global reserve currency," he said.

But the Russian prime minister was critical of European laws intended to improve transparency in energy supply and distribution. He claimed the "Third Energy Package", aimed at liberalising the market, will hinder investment and amounts to uncivilised "robbery". Moscow claims that the measures devalue the European assets of Gazprom, the state-controlled gas giant.

Mr Putin said: "We often hear from our partners in Europe and North America: 'If you want to be members of a global family of civilised nations, you should behave in a civilised way.' What is this then? Have our colleagues forgotten the basic principles?"

This is a geopolitical, not an economic, statement from Putin.

It's been made at the same time as Russia is increasing collaboration with, and seems close to joining, NATO.

Is this about temporary leverage? Or something more lasting?

I think it is directed towards killing the US dollar and thus considerably reducing US hegemony.

That would be my guess anyway.

But it is certainly very interesting and I wonder if its timing has anything to do with the proposed Wikileaks leak due tomorrow, where Putin is, apparently, one of the world leaders featured in the State Department cables?

China and Australia had Hilary her self talk to them but I wonder who spoke to the Russians? Was it the Ambassador or a functionary from the Embassy or did they get Hilary too?

I guess we'll know in the next few days.

Don't forget to broadcast messages to Britland. I've stored an old radio under the coal bunker...