Europe has offered Russia help in achieving...
get NGOs engaged in the modernization process and finally bring Russia closer to European technological and economic standards.The program is the EU"s response to President Dmitry Medvedev"s manifesto - Russia, Forward! - published in September, where he urged fundamental changes to cut the economy"s dependence on natural resources and do away with Soviet-style attitudes to work among ordinary Russians, which threaten the country"s role as a world power.
Medvedev, who portrays himself as a young and innovative leader, said the country must concentrate on creating products that are in demand on the world market, rather than just extract them.
Critics said the appeal was mere posturing, and pointed out that Medvedev has failed to live up to his promises to bolster the rule of law and curb corruption since coming to power in May 2008.
"The parties have agreed to focus on the specific content of the program to ensure it doesn"t remain just a catchy
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