RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Interview of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in the program “Sunday Night with Vladimir Solovyov” on the channel “Russia”, Moscow, 10 February 2013
February 11, 2013 · 0 Comments
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov gave an interview to “Russia” on the Day of Diplomatic Service, which is celebrated today. The Russian Foreign Minister spoke about the key issues of foreign policy, including relations with the U.S. and the “Law of Dima Yakovlev”, the situation in the Arab world, and the problems of Russians abroad.
Lavrov stressed several times that the US-Russian relations should be developed in line with the partnership, as the Americans will not be able to achieve many important goals alone. “The desire of the United States to remain the dominant power in the world, is unchangeable. Its becoming more difficult to carry out though, because, as I said, Americans are increasingly faced with situations where they alone can not achieve everything and have to seek a coalition partner” – the head of the Foreign Ministry pointed out.
As Lavrov continued, he had a trusting relationship with Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and Hillary Clinton, and he is well aware of the new head of the State Department of Jim Kerry.
Vladimir Putin had once a very good relationship with George W. Bush as well, but overall it had little influence. “I do not expect (as I do not expect this from any U.S. administration) radical changes in foreign policy. The course remains the same, it’s main direction does not depend on personalities, Lavrov said.
According to him, Russia is conducting an independent foreign policy, and Americans will have to be gradually accustomed to that fact. “The United States will not change overnight. They should become used to the fact that things can only be conducted on the basis of equality, balance of interests, and mutual respect,” – said the head of the Foreign Ministry.
He added that Russia and the U.S. need each other, in particular, for the Russian Federation the presence of NATO forces in Afghanistan is advantageous, because without them it would be even worse.
In recent years, Moscow and Washington have been able to compromise on important issues, for example, a new START treaty was signed, Russia was admitted to the WTO, and the United States removed the discriminatory Jackson-Vanik amendment.
True, at the same time Congress also issued the “Magnitsky Act” which provoked the Russian side. “We had to respond to this with the “Law of Dima Yakovlev ” – I have no doubt, that we had to respond to it” – said Lavrov.
He added, that as he has previously concluded, the U.S. agreement on cooperation in the field of international adoption should continue to be operational.
“When we met in Munich with U.S. Vice President J. Biden, he said that despite all our differences – and that is the missile defense, and “The law of S. Magnitsky”, and everything connected with it, and a number of another points – we have a lot common interests.
And then he said that, as to international stability: Russia and the U.S., as the two largest nuclear powers, bear the responsibility for global security and, as a consequence, we are working in one way or another, on any serious regional conflicts and crisis together.
He also noted that the only two capital cities in the world, which are always referred to by members of any conflict are Moscow and Washington. And not because, say, the same Brussels, Beijing, Tokyo, New Delhi as insignificant in the world, but both Russia and the United States are perceived as countries, which, if agreed among themselves, the solution will be found, ” – concluded Lavrov.
Speaking about the situation in the Arab world, Lavrov assured that Russia would not lose their positions and contact with different forces, including with the Syrian opposition. “Unlike most other states, which are somehow involved in the Syrian issue, we routinely and regularly talk with all concerned Syrian parties – the government and all the opposition groups, without exception,” – said Lavrov. He added that Russia is also working with the new leadership of Libya.
The Foreign Minister stressed once again that Russia was and is opposed to military intervention in Libya and Syria, the echoes of which, according to Lavrov, felt throughout the region. “To our Western partners that lesson is taught again, because not only Syria, but Mali, as we found out it to be with you – does echoes the direct impact of the events in Libya. This may yet impact many other countries, where “The guys from Mali” will run and look for a new place to apply their games, like the wind! ” – Lavrov said.
Exerts from interview, translated from Russian.
http://www.mid.ru/brp_4.nsf/newsline/02EBC66354EF10E544257B0E0045AD41
By myfuamerica
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