Medvedev sure to solve Caucasus problems

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev stated after his meeting with Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul on February 13 that Russia can handle independently problems similar to the August 2008 crisis “without the participation of countries outside the region.” Medvedev also stressed that both countries are concerned with maintaining security in the Caucasus and the Black Sea region.

Medvedev also welcomed the Turkish initiative on stability and cooperation in the region. The Russian President approved the possibility of tighter, though sometimes informal, dialogue to facilitate the resolution of regional economic, transportation and energy problems.