"With the end of the Cold War, there is no reason to have a bloc mentality. There is also no reason for paternalism, where some countries decide everything for others," Medvedev said during a meeting with Russian diplomats in Moscow.

The Kremlin leader also likened the situation in Kosovo to Iraq and warned that Russia would be forced to take countermeasures against controversial US plans to site missile defence installations in Eastern Europe.

Medvedev's comments suggested he would maintain the assertive stance of his predecessor Vladimir Putin, now the prime minister, who as president often lashed out at Western policies in Moscow's former Soviet sphere of influence.

His speech at the foreign ministry conference was also billed by officials as bolstering his foreign policy credentials amid a widespread view among analysts that Putin continues to wield a major international role.

"It's important for us to meet with the president, who is responsible for foreign policy," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in his introductory remarks.

The speech "had a special significance as he is beginning his political activity. It's clear that there will be continuity in our foreign policy," said Vitaly Churkin, Russia's ambassador to the United Nations.

Prior to Medvedev's inauguration in May, some Western observers had expressed hope that the new Russian leader might adopt a more conciliatory posture in international affairs than Putin.

But his rhetoric on Tuesday closely resembled that of his predecessor.

Referring to the US missile defence sites, Medvedev said: "These installations ... only worsen the situation. We will be forced to respond to this adequately. The EU and US have been warned."

Last week the Czech Republic agreed to host a radar for a planned US missile defence system, sparking an angry reaction from Moscow.

Russia views the radar, as well as US plans to site missile systems in Poland, as a threat to its national security despite US assurances that they are directed against "rogue states" like Iran.

"National security cannot be based on spoken promises," Medvedev said.

Touching on the issue of Kosovo, Medvedev condemned Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia in February.

"For the EU, Kosovo is almost what Iraq is to the United States.... This is the latest example of the undermining of international law," he said.

Moscow says Kosovo's self-rule is illegal since the region's independence was not condoned by Serbia, a traditional Russian ally.

The United States and a number of European nations have recognized Kosovo's independence despite protests from Russia and Serbia.

On a more conciliatory note, Medvedev told the group of diplomats that they should refrain from Cold War-style confrontation in international affairs.

"We have to defend our national interests correctly and without confrontation," he said.

He also said Russia should "an open and honest discussion" with its partners on security, poverty, food shortages, infectious diseases, energy efficiency, financial stability and ending conflicts.

Medvedev was speaking during a regular address that Russia's president gives to the country's ambassadors and envoys to international organizations.

Since his inauguration, Medvedev has criticized what he says are attempts by the NATO alliance to monopolize European affairs and has called for a sweeping overhaul of the continent's security architecture.

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