V. CONCLUSION
187. This Report has demonstrated many areas where
British diplomacy in Russia is presented with both opportunity
and challenge. The FCO's policies aim to encourage the adoption
of Western norms, to enhance mutual security, to promote understanding
and cultural exchange, to increase trading opportunities and to
better the quality of life of ordinary Russians. These policies
entail encouraging Russia to open to the West and encouraging
the West to be sensitive to Russian needs and fears. Isolation
and suspicion must be put firmly in the past. This agenda is not
an easy one, and there will be setbacks, some as severe as those
over Kosovo and Chechnya. But the potential benefits of a liberal,
democratic, Russia which is a constructive partner in the world
mean that setbacks should result in greater effort to promote
mutual engagement, not exasperation and recrimination. When the
March 2000 presidential elections are over, we expect a redoubling
of British efforts to build a co-operative relationship with Russia.
In this Report we have made many specific recommendations which
we believe will help this process. Our general conclusion and
recommendation is that the FCO must continue and develop its critical
engagement with Russia in the mutual interest of our two European
countries.
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