MOSCOW (AP) – Russia’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday sharply criticized the United States for what it called over reliance on force and warned Washington against military action against Iran, in a policy statement that bluntly asserted Moscow’s independence from Washington. At the same time, the paper said that Moscow was ready to cooperate to end global crises if Washington treats it as an equal partner. The 70-page document, echoing a tough speech by President Vladimir Putin at last month’s conference in Germany, reaffirms Russia’s determination to challenge the United States when it feels it has to – despite Moscow’s recent decision to increase pressure on Iran’s nuclear program. The statement reflects Russia’s growing confidence and economic clout, and seemed to be a signal to Washington that while the two nations can work together, Russia will not always follow the U.S. lead. The document also plays to national pride in advance of parliamentary and presidential elections. “The international community mustn’t take risks connected to the escalation of the situation around Iran until the United States takes sincere, conscientious efforts to normalize its relations with Tehran,” the ministry said.
