Albright: 'Russia using energy as weapon'

Madeleine Albright at ABSL conference, Poznan: photo - PAP/Jakub Kaczmarczyk

The former US Secretary of State is in Poland for the ABSL conference in Poznan and devoted to supporting and servicing business operations with foreign capital participation.

Madeleine Albright stressed that she is voicing the opinion as a private person and not on behalf of the US administration.

Nevertheless, she expressed deep concern with regard to Ukraine’s future as well as pertaining to energy security of the European Union.

In the latter context, Mrs. Albright recalled the latest initiative calling for a European energy union presented by Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Brussels.

“Clearly, the way the Russians have used energy as a tool, a control in some cases, and irritation in others, is something that has to be considered. I think that the suggestions made by Mr. Tusk are very important and significant in terms of an idea for more energy interaction within the EU itself versus just individual energy policies, the Czech-born former US secretary of state said.

Referring to Ukraine and the Sunday scheduled presidential elections there, Madeleine Albright remarked that the rising tension and escalation of violence might negatively influence turnout, security of voters and ultimately, the end results of the ballot.

“The hope is that will not be something that deters people from being able to vote. It is very important that the Ukrainian people have the possibility of making their views clear as an independent and sovereign country,” she said. (ss/pg)

source: IAR