MOSCOW, September 12 (Itar-Tass) — British Prime Minister David Cameron arrived in Moscow on his first official visit. It the first time in six years the head of the British Cabinet visits the Russian capital. Supposedly, he will be discussing mostly economic issues at the meeting with President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, despite the worsening of relations after the murder of Litvinenko. Trade turnover between the two countries continues to grow. Experts believe that the parties will consider political issues, because the British primer might attempt to improve relations with Putin before the presidential election in Russia. Meanwhile, a number of British politicians urged Cameron ahead of his visit to take a tough stance at the talks in Moscow.
David Cameron came under unprecedented pressure both from the Opposition - the Labor Party and his colleagues from the Conservative Party, the "Nezavisimaya Gazeta" writes. The opponents to the normalization of relations with Russia turned the premier's trip to Moscow into a subject of domestic political struggle. Four former foreign ministers called upon him to protect business in Russia from corruption. Two former deputy ministers joined the clamor, demanded punishment for the Russian officials involved in Magnitsky's death. British politicians also came out in support of former Yukos CEO Mikhail Khodorkovsky. But Khodorkovsky said he objected to confrontation between London and Moscow.
Answering the Daily Telegraph's questions, Khodorkovsky said it would make no sense for Britain to take a confrontational stance toward Moscow.
The "Nezavisimaya Gazeta" writes that one can hardly hope for successful talks, given the campaign unleashed in Britain by politicians and the mass media.
Pressure on Cameron may have negative influence on his Moscow talks
British Prime Minister David Cameron arrived in Moscow on his first official visit