Illarionov Warns of 'Climate of Fear'

President Vladimir Putin's top economic adviser has stepped up his criticism of Russia's judicial attack on the oil major Yukos, saying that it served only to create an atmosphere of fear in the country.
"The most dangerous thing is the climate of fear, an atmosphere we didn't have a few years ago. It represents the biggest risk for our development, for the survival of our country," Andrei Illarionov was cited as saying in Kommersant on Thursday.
"This is the result of many actions, including the case against Yukos, Russia's most efficient oil company," he said.
Illarionov is one of Russia's few officials who regularly contradict the official Kremlin line. He has been especially severe in his comments over the recent weeks as Yukos has been drifting toward a brutal dismantlement by the state.
Illarionov's remarks on Yukos contrast with those of Putin, who has repeatedly said that he believes that the rule of law is prevailing in the Yukos case.
"People currently don't understand what long-term consequences this affair could have for the country," Illarionov said.
Analysts and economists say the politically motivated Yukos affair has severely damaged the investment climate in Russia.
Illarionov also criticized state officials for stifling the freedom of the press. He did not rule out that he would soon be fired or resign.
Yukos, Russia's top oil exporter, is facing some $8 billion in back taxes and could have its key Siberian oil unit sold at a knock-down price before year's end.
Its troubles are part of a broader campaign seen by many analysts as orchestrated by Putin to punish Yukos founder Mikhail Khodorkovsky for political activities. Khodorkovsky is now on trial on charges of fraud and tax evasion.

(From : The Moscow Times)