Opening Remarks by S.Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, at the Presentation of V. Posuvalyuk's Book "Purple Sky of Baghdad", Moscow, January 20, 2012

Dear friends,

It is a great pleasure for me to see so many people, who accepted our invitation to come here today to the presentation of the book by V. Posuvalyuk, prominent Soviet and Russian diplomat and our friend. The book consists of his memoirs and diaries and includes a series of literary sketches of his friends and colleagues who worked with him in the diplomatic service.

Mr. Posuvalyuk was a great man and diplomat of the highest professional qualities and talent, who managed to learn all the ins and outs of our profession. He worked in a selfless, meticulous and creative way. Having started his working career as an interpreter for those who were constructing a seaport in Yemen, he became an honorable talking partner for kings, presidents and ministers.

We appreciate the presence at our today's meeting of the Chairman of the Palestinian National Authority M. Abbas who worked closely with Mr. Posuvalyuk, including in the framework of the Russian-Palestinian Working Committee on the Middle East.

Iraq where he had been working for almost 10 years, including as Russian Ambassador in the hardest days for the country, had a special place in V. Posuvalyuk's life. Therefore, the title of his book is "Purple Sky of Baghdad". As a Deputy Minister, V. Posuvalyuk was fulfilling the tasks of Russian Foreign Minister Y. Primakov and tried to postpone the events related to S. Hussein's fate which turned to be inevitable. Thanks to his efforts at some stage, a devastating strike on Iraq was prevented in the late 90s.

Victor was a man of every talent: professional of the highest standard, poet, singer and musician. He inspired those around him with his energy and charm, he piously revered his friends. His family - his wife Svetlana, his daughter and granddaughter - was a great part of his life.

I am certain that we are doing a holy work by perpetuating the memory of Victor in yet another form.

I am sure that he can hear us now.

January 20, 2012