Briefing of the Spokesman of MFA of Russia A.K.Lukashevich, 4 October 2012
On Work Visit to Moscow by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan
On 7-8 of October, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyz Republic E.B. Abdyldaev paid a work visit to Russia. This is his first visit to Russia after his appointment to the post of Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan in September this year.
The visit is part of an intensive Russian-Kyrgyz political dialogue, reflecting the high dynamics of the relationship alliance and strategic partnership between the two countries. Seven meetings between the presidents of Russia and Kyrgyzstan in the bilateral format and within the framework of activities of the integration associations were held this year.
During the negotiations between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia S.V.Lavrov and E.B.Abdyldaev, the substantive exchange of views on the multifaceted Russian-Kyrgyz cooperation will be held in the context of their collaboration regarding the fundamentally important agreements reached during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek on September 19-20 this year.
The greater attention will be paid to themes of stability and security in Central Asia, the process of economic integration in Eurasia, a coordinated approach to the major international and regional issues.
The meeting is scheduled between E.B.Abdyldaev, the administration of MGIMO (U) of MFA of Russia and the Kyrgyzstan students who are studying at this university.
We presume that E.B.Abdyldaev's visit to Moscow will facilitate further expansion of Russian-Kyrgyz relations in various fields, improving cooperation between the foreign ministries of the two countries.
On the meeting of S.V. Lavrov with members of the Association of European Business in Russia
On 8 October, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russian Federation S.V.Lavrov will be performing a speech in front of the members of the Association of European Business in Russia. The meetings of this format are held once every two years (last meeting was held in September 2010) and have already become a tradition that brings the representatives of businesses to the discussion of the priority issues in the EU-Russia dialogue.
The event is dedicated to the current state of affairs in Russia-EU relations, including the problems and prospects of further development of cooperation with the EU in the context of membership in the WTO and the increasing pace of the integration processes in the Eurasian region. Special attention will be paid to the contribution of business to promote a mutually beneficial partnership between Russia and the EU.
After the speech the Minister will answer questions from the audience, including the media.
On the upcoming visit to Moscow by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Ossetia
On 8-9 October, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Ossetia D.G.Sanakoev will come on the official visit to Russian Federation.
During the negotiations that were held on 9 October, Ministers of Foreign Affairs will exchange views on the actual issues of the bilateral agenda, especially in the context of the preparation for the upcoming official visit of the President of the Republic of South Ossetia L.H.Tibilov to Russian Federation. Both parties will also discuss the regional situation, ways to strengthen Russian-South Ossetian cooperation in the international arena, including the participation of delegation of both countries in Geneva discussions regarding the questions of stability and security in the Caucasus.
On the presentation of S.V.Lavrov at the "government hour" at the plenary session of the Federal Council
On 10 October, Minster of Foreign Affairs of Russia S.V.Lavrov was invited to the plenary session of the Federal Council, where in the framework of the "government hour" he would present on the topic of "The role of Russian Federation in strengthening of European security system."
Minister of Foreign Affairs is regularly invited to the Upper House of parliament. Meetings with the administration and members of the Federation Council have become a good tradition and serve as "time check" in order to enhance the progress of Russian interests in the international arena and to provide a unified foreign policy of the Russian Federation.
S.V.Lavrov will inform regarding the efforts of Russian diplomacy on modernization of architecture of the European security according to the modern geopolitical realities, dynamic development of trade, investment, technological, and cultural ties. Special attention will be paid to the issues and prospects of cooperation in the framework of the OSCE, NATO, and the European Union in response to the common challenges in the field of security.
On the meeting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia S.V.Lavrov with the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission C.Ashton and the ministers of foreign affairs of EU member-states
According to the schedule of Russia-EU political dialogue on 14 October in Luxembourg will be the meeting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia S.V.Lavrov with the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission C.Ashton and the administration of the foreign service of the EU member-states.
Meetings in the format "1+27" are held on a regular basis and are an important element in the structure of Russia-EU cooperation.
It is expected to touch upon a number of priority issues of cooperation between Russia and the EU, including the strengthening of mechanisms for political dialogue, development of trade and economic relations, the promotion of visa-free travel for citizens of Russia and the EU, activation of the cooperation in the field of external security.
In addition, it is planned to discuss the latest international and regional problems.
On the arrest of Russian citizens in the U.S.
We are closely the situation around arrested group of people, some of whom are Russian citizens, in the US (Houston). According to the information received, they were accused of illegal shipments of microelectronics to Russia. The U.S. side has provided the clarification that the charges are criminal in nature and do not relate to any espionage activity. The materials that were sent to us regarding this case are being studied.
Meanwhile, the fact that the U.S. authorities have not notified properly Russian consular offices of the arrest of our compatriots evokes serious questions. At present the Russian Embassy in Washington and the Consulate General in Houston, where the accused people are now, are seeking the counselor meeting with the arrested Russian citizens. Until now, the Russian council managed to briefly talk with one of those arrested people in the courtroom, where the decision on the choice of pre-trail restrictions was made.
On the situation of forfeiture of children from families who are Russian citizens, living in Finland, by the social services of Finland
We continue to monitor the situation around the forfeiture of four children of Russian citizen A.Zavgorodneva who is living in Finland by the Finnish social services.
On 3 October, the meeting between A.Zavgorodneca, her lawyer with the Finnish social services took place. Counselor officer of the Russian Embassy in Finland attended this meeting as well.
As a result, A.Zagorodneva is permitted to live with her children in one of the Finnish Centre for Social Welfare. Additionally, she can determine herself the duration of her stay in a specialized centre. The final decision on A.Zavgorodneva's case on the possibility of joint living with her children will be taken on 7 November.
Recently, e Russian media attention was also drawn to the recent forfeiture of two under aged children, one of whom has a Russian citizenship, from the Russian citizen A.Kasatkina, who is living in Finland, by social workers. Russian Embassy in Helsinki is staying in touch with her. A.Kasatkina does not see the need to provide additional support for her and seeks to resolve the situation with the help of a lawyer.
A few days ago the Finnish side gave us a list of persons in the competent authorities and services in Finland in order to implement the direct and operational contacts between the authorities of the two countries in the sphere of family law issues. We hope that this step of our partners will result in an establishment of a permanent dialogue mechanism in this important humanitarian and legal field, on which the Russian side has insisted for a long time.
On the riots in Kyrgyzstan
The riots, initiated by some leaders of the local opposition, happened on 3 October in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, were alarmingly perceived.
Based on the interest in preserving political stability in a country, friendly to us, we consider it important that all arising questions were solved in the legal field to prevent any attempts of pressure on public authorities.
The necessary measures are taken to ensure the safety of the employees of the Russian foreign institutions in Bishkek and members of their families.
We continue closely monitoring this situation.
On the incident at the Syrian-Turkish border
Recently, tension at the Syrian-Turkish border rose sharply. Along this border the clashes are happening between Syrian government forces and illegal armed groups, which captured several checkpoints. On 3 October, according to media reports, as a result of the explosion, released an artillery shell from the Syrian territory in the near-border village Turkish village Akchakale, 2 women and 3 children were killed, injured about 10 people. The same evening, the Turkish artillery shelled a number of targets in Syria.
In Damascus, an investigation into this incident was announced, including taking into account the increasing activity of armed gangs in the area.
In Brussels, on the initiative of Ankara, an unscheduled meeting of NATO representatives at the ambassadorial level took place, who confirmed their solidarity with Turkey as a member of the alliance.
The UN Security Council held consultations in connection with the incident.
The aggravation of tension at the Syrian – Turkish border was perceived with the greatest concern. We express our sincere condolences on the death of Turkish civilians.
We believe it is necessary to objectively and fully understand all the circumstances of the dangerous escalation. Comprehensive measures should be taken to avoid future repetition of such dangerous incidents. We call on both sides to show restraint, unconditional respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each other, and decisively counter to any terrorist manifestations. We consider it important that this weighted approach, which was based on the real facts, was manifested in the UN Security Council, as well as in the positions of the leading international and regional players.
We hope that the steps that could lead to a further escalation of tensions in that area will not be taken.
On the current situation in Syria
Tension remains in Syria. Military clashes are still ongoing between government forces and illegal armed groups of opposition. People are dying, including civilians. Thousands of Syrians have to leave their homes to seek refuge either in Syria or abroad. Not only a threat to life and safety, but also the disruption of life, destruction, economic hardship as a result of severe economic sanctions, imposed unilaterally by a number of states and regional associations, pushes them to such actions.
It is especially hard for people of Aleppo, which for two months remains the main front of armed confrontation.
"The last and decisive" offensive to take the city, announced by the opposition last Thursday was unsuccessful . A number of neighborhoods, including the Old Town, on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites, suffered irreparable damage. Medieval oriental bazaar was burned down. The parties accused each other there was a fire. Moscow shares the deep concern of UNESCO of danger of losing many of the historic monuments and sites.
In the lines of the armed opposition, the forces are asserting themselves more often. These forces are used in the most bloody methods of combat: the bombings and attacks on civilians. Tens of any innocent people were killed in car bombs explosions in Aleppo on 3 October by bandits in the villages Heidari Hassan under Homs.
Moral and material support to militants continues from abroad as well as the illegal supply of weapons to the Syrian illegal armed groups. Many Western media correspondents, such as "The Guardian", "The Daily Telegraph" witnessed the presence of foreign fighters and trainers in the armed opposition, including those from the European countries, the jihadists associated with "al-Qaeda" and other international terrorist networks .
Russia's approaches to the Syrian regulation remain unchanged. We continue to advocate at all levels of the need for an immediate end to armed violence, from whatever it is coming from, and peaceful resolution of the crisis by the Syrians, as required by resolutions 2042 and 2043 the UN Security Council and the Geneva Accords. Relevant work was conducted during the 67th session of the UN, it will be continued at the other international forums and in bilateral contacts.
On Russian Aid to the Palestinian National Authority
Russia has paid and continues to pay great attention to the Palestinian problem. Along with its work on the political and diplomatic direction, Russia is continuingly providing donor assistance to the Palestinians.
Aid to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) is being provided in different areas such as financial assistance, humanitarian supplies and other assistance. Over the recent years due to the decisions of the Government of the Russian Federation three tranches of 10 million dollars were allocated to the Palestinians as a humanitarian financial assistance to the needs of the PNA budget in education and health areas.
Considering the high demand of PNA for highly qualified personnel in civil specialties, Russia continues its traditional assistance to the Palestinians in education. Each year, the Palestinian students have 150 seats in the Russian universities at the federal budget's expense. Russia has now trained more than 500 Palestinian students. Additionally, the commissioning of the secondary school for Palestinians in Bethlehem is planned for this year.
Russia lays greater emphasis on the importance of having tourist flows from our country to Holy Land. Each year, the Palestinian territories are visited by about 300,000 Russian tourists.
Our country is involved in multilateral formats of assistance to the Palestinians. Thus, according to the World Food Program (WFP), with funding from Russia in 2012 ($ 2 million), about 2 thousand tons of wheat flour were purchased, which were delivered on September 27 to the West coast of Jordan river by the representatives of World Food Program and United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). According to UN personnel, the Russian flour is distributed among the poor people of Bedouin villages located in the West coast of Jordan River and in orphanages and nursing homes. Among the recipients there is also an Orthodox school for girls in Bethany (a suburb of Jerusalem) at the monastery of St. Mary Magdalene (ROCOR).
In addition, in July The Russian government also decided to make a one-time donation in the amount of $ 2 million to UNRWA for 2013. We have actively supported the work of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for Assistance to the Palestinians, the last meeting of which was held on September 23 with our participation "in the margins" of the 67th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
On the innerpolitical situation in Yemen
The situation in the Republic of Yemen remains complicated. Many problems still exist in the field of security and socio-economic and humanitarian spheres.
Amid the previously mentioned problems, we are glad to note the positive attitude of the authorities and majority of the leading political unions of Yemen Republic on the implementation of the inter-Yemen agreement on the peaceful transfer of power, which was signed on 23 November, 2011 in Riyadh. Priority attention will be paid to the preparation of the Conference on the national dialogue, scheduled for November this year. Key issues for this country such as the adoption of a new constitution and electoral law, the holding of presidential and parliamentary elections, the definition of the main directions of further political and socio-economic transformation will be examined.
Constructive efforts of Yemenis have been registered in the UN Security Council statement based on the results of the fourth ministerial meeting of the "Group of Friends of Yemen", where Russia participated, which was held on "the margins" of the 67th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. The document confirms the importance of holding of the maximum inclusive, transparent and inclusive national dialogue in Yemen Republic with the active participation of not only the major political players, but also representatives of all influential groups of Yemeni society, including youth and women's organizations. The unacceptability of any attemps to sabotage the measures of the Government of the national agreement of Yemen on the political process in the country, a need for a speedy end to the violence and violations of human rights in general.
We presume that the fair and lasting solution to the ongoing problems is possible only through a broad national dialogue, with full consideration of the interests and aspirations of the Yemeni people, its authoritative and responsible representatives. We are prepared to continue providing the necessary assistance in implementing of this major issue not only under our supervision of the subject of the national dialogue in the Group of ten states-witnesses and guarantors of the Riyadh arrangements' realization, but in other international forums as well.
On the situation regarding Russian citizens convicted in Libya
The situation regarding Russian citizens A. F. Shadrov and V. V. Dolgov, who were convicted in Libya, continues to be constantly monitored by the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia and the Russian Embassy in Libya.
Since the detention of Russian citizens in Tripoli in August 2011, the Russian Embassy gives their fate a priority, including the humanitarian aspect of the situation. In particular, during the regular meetings with convicted Russians the consular officers of an Embassy send them fresh food, personal hygiene items, as well as medicine, if required.
Thanks to the efforts of the Russian Embassy who managed to improve the conditions of the retention of A. F. Shadrov V. V. Dolgov in pound: the quality of food was improved, the room is now air conditioned, and also convicted Russians are allowed the daily walks.
After the sentencing the guilty verdict against the Russians in June 2012 the appeal was immediately sent to the Supreme Military Court. Currently, the Russian Embassy is making efforts to accelerate the revision of the sentence to A. F. Shadrov V. V. Dolgov, and the resolution of the situation in which they find themselves in.
On the intent of the Swedish authorities to deport the Russian citizen G.Petuhova
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia is closely monitoring the situation around the possible deportation from Sweden of the elderly Russian citizen G.Petuhova, who needs a constant care. Swedish Migration Board does not allow G. Petuhova to stay in the family of her daughter I.Ogren who lives Sweden by. A decision is pending by the Supreme Migration Court of Sweden regarding the subject.
The Russian Embassy in Stockholm attracted the attention of the Swedish authorities to this purely humanitarian situation; the embassy is also in contact with I.Ogren to provide possible assistance.
We count on the respect of the Swedish to the right of G.Petuhova and I.Ogren to live as one family, which would allow the daughter to provide adequate care for her mother.
Answers to media questions:
Question: Based on your comment, the U.S. has detained Russians on criminal charges. However, according to the media reports, the detained citizens are "agents of the Russian government" and accused of espionage. Could you clarify what exactly did the American partners say to the Russian side, and why did both parties believe that this is not spying, but the criminal case?
Answer: We work with you on different levels - you are working with the media, and we are working with Washington official representatives. My message clearly states that American side gave us an explanation that charges carry a criminal nature and are not related to the intelligence activities. I would leave media wild guesses and discussions of journalists regarding this issue on their conscience. I have nothing to add to what I have already said. This is all the information. I think that it is enough on the first stage. We will continue to clarify the situation.
Question: The U.S. law enforcement agencies are calling the detained Russians "the agents of the Russian government." Please comment on this statement.
Answer: Again, we are trying to clarify the situation. Today you received enough information in the first phase as a reaction of the Russian authorities. We will investigate what really happened and what charges are brought to our citizens.
Question: Do you think that the incident on the Syrian-Turkish border is a provocation organized to involve NATO in adventurous operations in the Middle East, in particular, against the SAR?
Answer: We expect that they won't take any provocative actions in order not to complicate the already disturbing and difficult situation not only in the border region, but also in Syria in general. We are concerned with what happened yesterday. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov emphasized today in Islamabad that Russian side counts on the public statements of the Syrian authorities to the fact that this episode is a tragic accident and such action would not be taken in future. Syrian partners assured us that it was an accident. We hope that it is so. This incident adds the complexity to the situation, demanding actions from all Syrian parties and external players, responsible and concrete action to implement the agreements reached in Geneva on ending violence and an early start of negotiations on a political settlement in Syria.
Question: We know that B.Ivanishvili, who won the elections in Georgia, will make his first visit to Washington, because "Moscow has not congratulated and invited him." What is your comment? Can we expect that B.Ivanishvili will come to Moscow?
Answer: So far, I would leave this question open, because the votes are still counting. The comment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia on October 3 reflects our expectations. Let's see how the new configuration of power will act. We will make some conclusions afterwards. Expectations for change in Georgia are observed not only in Russia but also in the many other countries of the world.
Question: How was the issue regarding the auction for the forced sale of office-residential building of the Trade Mission of the Russian Federation in Sweden resolve?
Answer: Detailed comments, including the legal arguments of the Russian side are posted at the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. I propose to have a look at it again. We are still concerned about this situation and will demand a fair verdict regarding the property of Russia.
Question: How does the Russian side refers to the creation of a joint commission to resolve conflicts related to the systemic nature of the removal of children from the care of Russian parents living in Finland?
Answer: I think it is very important. Let me remind you that the establishment of a mechanism for family law cases was put by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov during the talks with the Finnish leadership in the course of his recent visit to Helsinki. We felt that the Finnish colleagues took a thought regarding this question. We will continue to insist on it. Similar cases have increased. This requires a bilateral mechanism that would regulate such situations. We believe that only through a clear bilateral legal framework can address problems. I hope we will come to that goal in one form or another.
We certainly do not push our recommendations and suggestions. But it is clear that without such mechanisms similar cases can be multiplied, and it overshadows our bilateral relations. We absolutely do not want this to happen.
Question: Yesterday, Syrian Information Minister called the Turkish people brotherly and friendly. Given the unusually quick response from the Turkish armed forces, NATO, the UN Security Council for the incident, don't you think that it was a provocation?
Answer: I have tried to describe the situation and give our estimates. I would not like "to label", besides now there are close consultations in the UN Security Council. Obviously, everybody received a warning signal to urgently engage in a political settlement of the situation. We see that the conflict has become a major cross-border dimension.
I would like to draw your attention to another aspect of the cross-border dimension. It is expressed in the frequent terrorist attacks in the SAR, which, unfortunately, do not receive an adequate training on the part of the international community and, above all, the UN Security Council. Our Western colleagues either do not react, or react inappropriately, rejecting the appeals of Russia to Security Council, which has always worked well with respect to any acts of terrorism, to show the position on this issue in various statements and documents. Another attempt, unfortunately, failed once again. We regard this as a serious warning that our partners can change our approach to the problem of the global terrorist threat. This is another aspect in favor of a speedy end to the violence and start all-Russian dialogue for political settlement. S.V. Lavrov paid special attention to it in the course of the press conference today in Islamabad, according to the results of a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Pakistan.
Question: Why did the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia on 4 September this year regarding the case of Azerbaijani serviceman R. Safarov sounded very soft and was belated? Why was the Russia's reaction based on the decision of the OSCE Minsk Group? During a press conference for journalists on 2 September this year, Armenia's Ambassador to Moscow was forced to "take the rap" for the Russian authorities, who were silent for three days after the incident. The ambassador also expressed his doubt that he would be received by the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia.
How would you comment on the fact that the two countries of the CIS, one of which is also in the CSTO and on the territory of which the Russian military base is located, were on the brink of war, and the Russian authorities were silent for several days?
Answer: I do not support the aggressive manner of your question. I urge you to express your point of view in a more correct way especially during the formal briefing, the more so that it is a strategic relationship between Russia and Armenia. I cannot share your assessment, because Russia, as a member of the "troika" of OSCE Minsk Group, expressed particular concern and the position which we adhere, and we continue to adhere to in the framework of this group.
As you know, the statement of OSCE Minsk Group has been built on this position. To relate to our comment as a "failure" is your personal right. But our contacts with Armenian partners have shown that the reaction of the Russian side is clear and sufficient.
Let me remind you that the Armenian ambassador in Moscow was quickly received by the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, A.I. Denisov, which fits into the framework of our strategic relations with Armenian colleagues. But your attempts to say that O.E.Esayan was "taking the rap" are beyond emotionality. The meeting was going in a nice and friendly atmosphere. O.E.Esayan was assured that the public reaction of Russia will follow immediately, which happened on the same day. To estimate the incident we need to go to press after half an hour. It is necessary to compare the facts, to consult. We are not working as journalists, but as diplomats and professionals.
Question: Do you think that the reaction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia was adequate?
Answer: I think exactly the way it really happened. We haven't heard such statements from the Armenian side. Perhaps it is your journalistic interpretation. I repeat, please do not carry over your perception of events on the whole Armenia.
Question: President of IRI Mahmoud Ahmadinejad first announced Iran's readiness to stop enriching uranium to 20%, if the IAEA would supply Iran with the required amount of fuel for the production of medical isotopes. Could you comment on this?
Answer: The recent events on the track of contacts of Iran and the IAEA, the acceptance of the resolution of the Council of its management, which, in fact, was coauthored the whole "six" group, show that in the process of the respectful dialogue it is possible to find solutions for all fundamental differences and remove any problems which arise in the different areas. We urge you not to make a pause in the negotiation process and to look for solutions through the dialogue under the Iran-IAEA, the Iran "six". The philosophy of Russian approaches is in it, which was reflected in the final resolution of the Board of Governors of IAEA.
We hope that Iran and the Agency will be able to agree on a schedule of such contacts in the near future. We came right out and said in the ministerial meeting on the Iranian nuclear program in New York.
We presume that there will be no pause, and we will find a dynamic that will ensure solutions by way of negotiations. We believe that only through politico-diplomatic means it is possible to allay the concerns that persist for INP. As you know, in the basis of the Russian approaches to regulate the issue of Iran's nuclear program the basic principles of gradualism and reciprocity are laid.
Question: On the October 2 this year The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe after an active discussion of the report on the implementation of the commitments taken upon by the Russian Federation in the process of entry the Council of Europe in 1996, endorsed the resolution. The project of recommendations of PACE on how to connect the Committee of Ministers to monitoring of Russia has not received the required 2/3 votes.
What consequences will the voting results have for practical cooperation between Russia and the Council of Europe?
Answer: As a rule, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia does not comment on the events on the international parliamentary "grounds." However, taking the resonance into account in the resolution and passions in Strasbourg around this solution, I can state that according to the results of the debate, the position of the supporters of constructive engagement with Russia, not only in the PACE, but in general in the Council of Europe were strengthened. I will not comment on the content of the resolution itself - many of its elements, as were emphasized by the leadership of our delegation in Strasbourg, go far beyond Russia's obligations when joining the Council of Europe, which underlines its political character.
A small group of countries, in the violation of established procedures was striving for adoption of a PACE recommendations on the monitoring role of the Committee of Ministers, urged the Committee of Ministers to directly connect to the monitoring of Russia. In essence, an attempt to turn this mechanism into an instrument of political influence and interference in internal affairs was undertaken.
Such an approach, of course, is completely unacceptable. It is contrary to the Council of Europe main function - to promote the unity of the European people. Given such resolutions and a similar attitude to CE members, one can hardly expect that such a union can take place.
I will note that the arguments of the representatives of both houses of the Federal Assembly as part of the Russian delegation at PACE and responsible representatives of several countries have been heard, and the question regarding the recommendation prevailed the common sense.
Many people in the Parliamentary Assembly and the Council of Europe are well aware that the vote in the PACE on the October 2 "through Russia" was actually a vote on the place and role of the Council of Europe in the system of European and transatlantic institutions. And, generally speaking, the supporters to strengthen the role of CE in European affairs prevailed. It is important that Russian members of the PACE were able to convince many of their colleagues that maintaining an effective inter-parliamentary dialogue in the framework of the monitoring of PACE and taking into account the existing procedures is more important than satisfying one's ambition.
We believe that such a result would enable the further rapprochement of the people of Europe based on the principles of non-discrimination, mutual respect and trust, even in such difficult issues as the fulfillment of obligations to the Council of Europe by all the states - members of the Organization , and not only by Russia.
The agenda of our work in the Council of Europe is quite broad. In the near future we plan to continue the consultation with the leadership of the Council of Europe in the framework preparation of draft programs of Russia-CE for 2013-2014.
Question: Today the information about the fact that Russian diplomats had a meeting with one of the Russians, who was accused by U.S. authorities of selling the trace elements, was heard. You have also noted that the staff of the Embassy in Washington and the Consulate General in Houston will strive for a meeting with the other defendants. How many of them have Russian citizenship?
Answer: It is unlikely that I can add anything to what I have already said. I mentioned that consular officers were able to talk in the courtroom with one of the accused. We will strive for the consular access to other detainees. Today it is all the comprehensive information that I can offer you.
Question: Can you clarify the reason along which the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov did not participate in the ministerial meeting of the "six" of the international mediators on Iran's nuclear program in New York, and the Russian Federation was represented by the Permanent Representative to the UN, V.I. Churkin?
Answer: People, who are familiar with the schedules of Ministers at the UN General Assembly, have a clear understanding that at the last moment big difficulties always occur during the connection of programs agreed upon earlier. It is not necessary to look for any hidden dangers here. It is important that Russia participated in the meeting, which met at this level after a long break, and on which the important issues were discussed; there have been some steps to intensify the dialogue. Therefore, personalities are not that important. In many ministerial forums ministers are not always able to participate in person. Our Permanent Representative to the United Nations is a competent and knowledgeable person with adequate powers. In many ways, Russia is a powerhouse in the "six." Our approaches ensure these dynamics, especially as initiatives somehow lined up just around the Russian proposals for the application of the principles of gradualism and reciprocity to the settlement of the INP.
Question: It is known that the main problem in the relations between Russia and Georgia is the occupied territories. In what format can negotiations begin regarding these issues? Were there any consultations about it?
Answer: This inadequate document is the subject of conversation in the Georgian political establishment. This is an internal legislative act of Georgia. We did not intend and will not conduct any negotiations on this issue.
We do not operate with the term "occupied territories" there is a term of the newly independent states that emerged after the aggression of the M.Saakashvili regime: the Republic of South Ossetia and the Republic of Abkhazia. Russia continues an active dialogue with the subjects of international law. Many still have not realized it. It will take time for everyone to understand that the emergence of new independent states in the Caucasus there are new geopolitical realities.
Question: How will you build the relations with the new government of Georgia?
Answer: We need to comprehend the election results. We will be judged not by the statements but by the actions of Georgian politicians, as we always do in the relations with other states. We have been friends for ages with the Georgian people. Let me remind you that it is not Russia who initiated the severance of the diplomatic relations, but it was M. Saakashvili who did it. We hope that considering the outcome of these elections structural changes that will not only normalize bilateral relations, but also the situation in the Caucasus as a whole will come.
Question: What could consular officers find out during a conversation with one of the Russian detainees by the U.S. authorities?
Answer: Obviously, I cannot say about what was talked about. Everything is in line with the clearing of the situation. We need to get the full picture of what happened, and make conclusions after that. My today's comment provides an overview of our approach to this case.
Question: On the PACE session in Romania the issue of a "return of the temporarily evacuated treasures of Romania to Moscow during World War" was raised. How does Russia estimate the move of Romania, which raises such questions not at the level of the bilateral negotiations, but which uses the platform of international forums for it?
Answer: It is not the first time when the Romanian parliament attempts to internationalize the topic of "Romanian treasures" which lost its actuality a long time ago. We regret that, for similar ideas and goals the platform of such an authoritative body like the Council of Europe is being used - a structure designed to facilitate the formation of a common humanitarian space on our continent on an impartial basis to the history of relations between European countries and their people, their presentation in the correct, and benevolent spirit.
Speaking about the topic of "Romanian gold", there is no such problem in the modern agenda of our political dialogue with Bucharest. There is an understanding that it should be left to historians, along with other complex issues related to the history of our bilateral relations. As you know, with this intention, and on the basis of the Joint Statement of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Russia and Romania, on July 4, 2003, a joint public commission of historians was established. By the way, the next scheduled meeting of its co-chairs is scheduled at the end of October.
We believe that attempts to stir up the past in the present conditions are counterproductive, and can only arouse unnecessary emotions, distract attention from solutions of the actual specific bilateral issues – there are a lot of them, as you know.
Question: What will be the reaction of Russia if NATO, referring to Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, nevertheless decides to intervene in the Syrian conflict?
Answer: This is a dreadful hypothetical forecast. In our contacts with my colleagues from NATO we were assured that such plans regarding Syria are not available. I would not engage in assumptions. In my today's comment on this subject the following idea is accentuated - we expect and hope that the actions that would complicate an already difficult situation in the Syrian settlement and put oil on flames to an escalation of the conflict will not be taken. I think this is an understandable and clear message to everybody who is, as they say, "itching".
4 October 2012
