VOA常速英语2007-German, Russian Leaders Meet to Discuss Ties

By Lisa Bryant
Paris
15 October 2007

German and Russian leaders are holding talks in Wiesbaden, Germany, at a time when Moscow and the European Union disagree on several critical issues, including Kosovo and energy. Lisa Bryant has more on the meeting from Paris.

The two-day gathering¹ is part of a regular dialogue between Berlin and Moscow to improve their ties. That was a point stressed recently by German Chancellor² Angela Merkel, when she talked about a strategic partnership³ with Russia.

But analysts⁴ like Katinka Barysh, of the Center for European Reform in London, say the relationship between the two countries, and the two leaders, has changed since the days of Merkel's predecessor⁵, former chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.

"During the days of Schroeder, there were still many, and I believe Schroeder was one of them, who believed Russia wanted to be like us," said Barysh. "That we could build a strategic partnership with a country that probably just got thrown off course a bit, but was ultimately to be a liberal democracy. Now, we know this is no longer the case. So, you cannot base the relationship on the kinds of beliefs that we could during the Schroeder years."

Barysch says, today, Europe's relationship with Russia is much more of an arms-length one. And, the two do not see eye to eye on issues like the status of Kosovo, which Merkel and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to discuss.

The European Union is divided over whether to recognize Kosovo if it declares independence, while Russia backs Serbia, which is adamantly⁶ against such a move.

Russia and Europe are also at odds⁷ over energy. Russia supplies about a quarter of Europe's gas needs, but the two are at odds over accessing each others' energy markets.

But Barysh says Iran is one area where the two sides can work together.

"On Iran, for example, they have been more constructive⁸ because it's not in Russia's interest at all to have Iran, which is close to its borders, build a nuclear weapon," she added. "So, here, Russia has shown itself to be a constructive member of the international community."

Putin is to visit Iran, later this week.

1 gathering   

n.集会，聚会，聚集

参考例句：

• He called on Mr. White to speak at the gathering.他请怀特先生在集会上讲话。
• He is on the wing gathering material for his novels.他正忙于为他的小说收集资料。

2 chancellor   

n.(英)大臣；法官；(德、奥)总理；大学校长

参考例句：

• They submitted their reports to the Chancellor yesterday.他们昨天向财政大臣递交了报告。
• He was regarded as the most successful Chancellor of modern times.他被认为是现代最成功的财政大臣。

3 partnership   

n.合作关系，伙伴关系

参考例句：

• The company has gone into partnership with Swiss Bank Corporation.这家公司已经和瑞士银行公司建立合作关系。
• Martin has taken him into general partnership in his company.马丁已让他成为公司的普通合伙人。

4 analysts   

分析家，化验员( analyst的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• City analysts forecast huge profits this year. 伦敦金融分析家预测今年的利润非常丰厚。
• I was impressed by the high calibre of the researchers and analysts. 研究人员和分析人员的高素质给我留下了深刻印象。

5 predecessor   

n.前辈，前任

参考例句：

• It will share the fate of its predecessor.它将遭受与前者同样的命运。
• The new ambassador is more mature than his predecessor.新大使比他的前任更成熟一些。

6 adamantly   

adv.坚决地，坚定不移地，坚强不屈地

参考例句：

• "Come over here,"he told her adamantly. “到这边来，”他对她坚定地说。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• His family were adamantly opposed to the marriage. 他的家人坚决反对这门亲事。 来自《简明英汉词典》

7 odds   

n.让步，机率，可能性，比率；胜败优劣之别

参考例句：

• The odds are 5 to 1 that she will win.她获胜的机会是五比一。
• Do you know the odds of winning the lottery once?你知道赢得一次彩票的几率多大吗？

8 constructive   

adj.建设的，建设性的

参考例句：

• We welcome constructive criticism.我们乐意接受有建设性的批评。
• He is beginning to deal with his anger in a constructive way.他开始用建设性的方法处理自己的怒气。