Moscow, 2 August: Russia is resuming its presence in such an important geostrategic area as Cuba and Latin America, Andrey Klimov, deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, told RIA-Novosti on Saturday [2 August]. He was speaking about the results of head of the Russian Security Council Nikolay Patrushev's visit to Cuba. [Passage omitted]

Klimov believes that Russia is resuming collaboration with its good old partner. He added that "Cuba has a very important geostrategic situation". He thinks it's right that Russia as a major power should be present there in the spheres of economy and security. The Duma deputy did not rule out that Russian military presence on the island may also be considered. "Russia is quite likely to take a decision on military presence in Cuba in response to the deployment of American ABM systems next to the Russian border," the deputy said.

"If America is installing ABM systems near our borders, Russia too may deploy its systems in those states which will agree to take them," he stressed. Klimov said, however, that our missiles should not be regarded as targeted on America. "They may be targeted against a hypothetical aggressor in the region." Klimov emphasized that as a major world power Russia "should have footholds" in various regions of the world. In this aspect, it could be both economic and military presence.

"We should use all our opportunities and defend our national interests, including in the sphere of security," he stressed. Klimov added that Cuba is currently implementing liberal reforms and assessed the prospects for the two countries' political and economic cooperation as quite positive.

Originally published by RIA Novosti news agency, Moscow, in Russian 1230 02 Aug 08.

(c) 2008 BBC Monitoring Former Soviet Union. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.

Story Source: BBC Monitoring Former Soviet Union