Putin says US wants to `assert dominance` in Balkans as Macedonia changes name
(The Guardian Russia)

Russian president claims alleged increase of western influence is `destablising´Vladimir Putin has weighed into the row over Macedonia´s name change, accusing the US and its allies of destabilising the Balkans by `asserting their dominant role` in the region.The Russian president criticised what he described as deliberate efforts to increase western influence in a part of the world Moscow has long regarded as falling within its own orbit. Related: US throws diplomatic support behind Macedonia name change Related: `It´s not about what is fair`: Macedonians prepare to vote on name change Continue reading...