Prague residents divided about US-Russian disarmament treaty

The signing of the new START treaty in Prague has received massive coverage in the media, and is being analyzed by commentators from all angles. But how do the citizens of Prague – the common people – feel about the Russian-US deal that may mark the beginning of a new era? Sarah Borufka went out on the streets to see what people had to say on the subject.

The tight security measures accompanying the signing of the landmark nuclear disarmament treaty by the Russian and US leaders are palpable, even here on the other side of the Vltava River. More police officers are patrolling the streets of Prague’s center than on any regular day. The sound of army helicopters can be heard even over Wenceslas Square.It would be hard to find someone who doesn’t know what’s going on and many Czech seem to be proud that their capital was chosen as a site for such a significant political event. Some Prague residents I spoke to had this to say.

Photo: CTK

Older man: “What’s important is that each such summit increases trust between two countries, and that has a great deal of significance. And at the same time I think it’s an honor for our country. It’s good that it’s here, it gives a chance to make the Czech Republic more visible and it’s great that we have the opportunity to host two such important political figures.”

Young man: “I think it’s really good it’s in Prague, our city is the center of the world today. And the treaty is really important even for normal people, because they can feel safer. I think it’s more significant than other treaties, because there could be some real consequences for people.”

Young woman: “I think it’s good that it’s taking place in Prague. I think we can be proud of it.”

Forty-two years after the Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia and the brutal crushing of the Prague Spring movement, the Russian president is now in Prague signing a treaty that will cut nuclear weapons and is hailed as a step towards world peace. Although President Medvedev described this treaty as a win-win situation for everyone, many Czechs remain weary and find it difficult to accept Russia as an ally.

Older man: “I would not sign anything with the Russians. I don’t mean Russians as a nation, but as a political regime, Russia is not a partner to sign treaties with. It‘s not a trustworthy partner. And I don’t consider Russia a democratic regime.”

Dmitry Medvedev, Václav Klaus (right), photo: Štěpánka Budková

Younger woman: “I am concerned because Prague is now full of Russians, you can see them everywhere in the streets, so I am worried. From what we know from the past, I would definitely not want that to come back. I am not saying we are threatened by another Russian occupation. But I would not want Russia to have a bigger influence here, either.”

Middle-aged woman: “I think the change in politics is really great, that we are moving away from perceiving Russia as an enemy and are moving towards seeing Russia as a partner, I think that is really good.”

It is the persisting mistrust of Russia that has led the US president to stay overnight in Prague for a dinner on Thursday evening with the leaders of 11 central and east European countries, whom he wants to convince that in forging closer ties with Moscow,Washington is not selling out their interests and security.