{"id":4059,"date":"2014-02-13T06:03:09","date_gmt":"2014-02-13T13:03:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myfutureamerica.org\/?p=4059"},"modified":"2014-02-13T10:27:20","modified_gmt":"2014-02-13T17:27:20","slug":"michael-mcfaul-leontiev-wanted-to-treat-us-with-champagne","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myfutureamerica.org\/?p=4059","title":{"rendered":"Interview with Michael McFaul about his time in Russia."},"content":{"rendered":"
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Level of cooperation between Russia and the United States, relations with the Russian opposition, about Russian-American partnership in providing security at the Olympics in Sochi, on the experience of staying in Moscow, as well as to why he did not drink champagne with Mikhail Leontiev, first deputy editor of RIA News Maxim Filimonov told to finish his career in Russia U.S. Ambassador Michael McFaul.<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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–\u00a0You suddenly announced their decision to leave the post of U.S. Ambassador to Russia and return home after the Olympics.\u00a0U.S., unlike other countries, did not send a representative delegation in Sochi.\u00a0Can we say that instead of “reset” in relations between Moscow and Washington came a difficult period?<\/p>\n

– I certainly would not characterize them that way, as well as President Obama did this.\u00a0Continue the metaphor: when to restart the computer, it does not shut down, and push some buttons do not need more.\u00a0This is my view on the situation.\u00a0But this does not mean that we have difficulties.\u00a0This does not mean that we do not stand in front of the challenges that we had another two-three-four-five years ago.\u00a0As I see it, we are continuing to work in the most important security issues.\u00a0This is Iran, North Korea, Afghanistan, nuclear arms control.\u00a0In recent years – is Syria and the growth of world trade.\u00a0Somewhere we work somewhere – disagree, but we do not want to let disagreements cooperation.\u00a0And for two influential countries it is normal.<\/p>\n

\u00a0–\u00a0Based on your knowledge and experience, how would you assess the relationship between Russia and the U.S. on a scale?<\/p>\n

\u00a0– Good question, but a good answer to it I have not.\u00a0Experts engaged in what they say about the ups, warming or cooling of Russian-American relations.\u00a0We have a different opinion.\u00a0And I stick with it.\u00a0I look at the results.\u00a0Gave me this year more visas than in the past?<\/p>\n

Yes, and much more.\u00a0Did we increase the volume of trade and investment?\u00a0Yes, we did it.\u00a0Today we are cooperating with Syria active than a year ago?\u00a0Yes.\u00a0We are cooperating with Iran to prevent the emergence of nuclear weapons in Iran?\u00a0And here too the answer is positive.\u00a0Do American families succeeded in adopting a child from Russia – No, this was not possible.\u00a0This specifics.\u00a0And according to this principle should be judged on our policy or evaluate ambassador.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0Do you know who will be the new U.S. Ambassador to Russia?<\/p>\n

– No.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0And can someone recommend to President Obama?<\/p>\n

– Solve the president anyway.\u00a0He asked me to come here.\u00a0Now we are discussing several candidates.<\/p>\n

– Do you think, when will the appointment?<\/p>\n

– I hope that as soon as possible.\u00a0But it is worth remembering that after the nomination must be approved by the Senate.\u00a0In my case it took a while.\u00a0So it may be a slight delay.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0Many experts have noted that you have paid a lot of time communicating with representatives of the opposition, maybe even more than the official representatives of the Russian authorities.\u00a0And often you put this mistake.\u00a0Do you agree with this assessment?\u00a0What goal do you pursue contacts with this group in society?<\/p>\n

– First of all you must understand that my daily work – contact with the Russian government, for that first of all I was responsible.\u00a0And thanks to access to the highest level that I had, I met with their counterparts in the Kremlin, the Foreign Ministry, the government.\u00a0And many of them I have known for more than a decade.\u00a0On this subject we have not covered, it is a traditional diplomacy.\u00a0I feel a deep respect for those with whom I work.\u00a0Even if we disagree somewhat.\u00a0Both personal and from a professional point of view, I have great respect for colleagues from the Russian government.\u00a0Last summer, when it was decided that Barack Obama is not going to Moscow, we had a difficult conversation with (assistant to the president of the Russian Federation), Yuri Ushakov, whom I’ve known for a long time.\u00a0But I respect to how these negotiations go.\u00a0It happens, but most do not even know.\u00a0And not many ambassadors as open as I am.\u00a0My task – to interact with society.\u00a0With different groups and representatives of society: non-governmental organizations, environmentalists, LGBT activists, Mr Zhirinovsky.\u00a0I am open to all.\u00a0Another thing, when they themselves invite me.\u00a0By the way, for all the time that I was an ambassador, I’ve never met Mr. (opposition Alexei) Navalny, despite what the press wrote.\u00a0Job diplomat in the fact of being involved in society and in the media – I think this is also an important part of the work.\u00a0So I can explain our policies and explain what it represents America.\u00a0Using his knowledge, his biography, I tried to make people more aware of my country and its leadership.\u00a0I am not looking for those who will agree with me and love me.\u00a0The challenge is to get people to truly understand the politics of my country and of her own could be judged.\u00a0So I am very serious about this problem.\u00a0I’m proud of ties with the government and civil society in all its manifestations.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0However, if you are not surprised that some of the groups and the media is very rigidly commented on your contacts with the opposition?<\/p>\n

– I’m more surprised that it seemed to me, some of the media inaccurately covered some of my actions.\u00a0I remember that once came (in Russian), read a few implausible notes.\u00a0I tried to explain that I have a different agenda, and continue to do so.\u00a0By the way, Mr. (journalist) Mikhail Leontiev, who showed particular interest to me was the day before in the same hotel in Sochi, in which we live.\u00a0And in the evening he would entertain us with champagne.\u00a0I think it’s very ironic ending my trip to Russia.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0Did he buy you some champagne?<\/p>\n

– No, because we have rules about gifts from foreigners.\u00a0But is not it funny gesture?\u00a0I was glad to meet him at the Games.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0So you did not drink with him?<\/p>\n

– I said that it is better to meet in Moscow in a private setting.\u00a0As a member of the presidential delegation, I follow quite strict rules regarding gifts.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0Two years that you spent in Russia, were quite interesting and challenging.\u00a0What have you learned about Russia, whether refuted some of your presentation?\u00a0There you have any new friends?\u00a0And are you going to write a book about his time in our country?<\/p>\n

– The time I spent in Russia as ambassador, was outstanding.\u00a0And for me personally it was a great honor to represent my country in your country.\u00a0As an American, I am proud to be part of the Obama administration, as well as being the face of the country.\u00a0And, frankly, I am very sorry that I and my family had to make the decision to leave home.\u00a0Dear to me all that I was doing this work.\u00a0I like to communicate with the government, both positive and negative on the issues.\u00a0And dear to me the experience of working with the business community, which I had not studied.\u00a0Working with representatives of the Russian and American business, I tried to promote business investment and growth.\u00a0This part of my job was more than I expected.\u00a0I found it interesting direction and then I’d like to do more, because here you can see firsthand the results of their work.\u00a0People buy planes and fly them.\u00a0Support jobs – it’s good for Russia, and the United States.\u00a0One of the greatest pleasures for the U.S. Ambassador to Russia, and it was unexpectedly, – contact with the culture and history of the country.\u00a0Ambassador receives many invitations to concerts and other events.\u00a0Of course, I knew enough of Russian culture, but I found it much better in the new context.\u00a0Attend the opening of the second stage of the Mariinsky Theatre, see the magic that creates Gergiev, and talk with him after the ceremony – it is great fun.\u00a0Meet with veterans of Stalingrad – a terrible battle, it’s unforgettable.\u00a0And I am very grateful to the Russians for what gave me those moments.<\/p>\n

As for the book, it will in the future.\u00a0The time will come, and I’ll take it.\u00a0Now do not think about it.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0Let’s talk about the Olympics in Sochi.\u00a0As you business, hospitality, mood prevailing here?\u00a0How does all this perceived American audiences have come here?<\/p>\n

– The few days that we have spent here, people are very impressed with what is happening.\u00a0At the American athletes, fans, delegations had no problems.<\/p>\n

All enjoyed the opening ceremony.\u00a0We congratulate (head of the organizing committee “Sochi-2014”) Dmitry Chernyshenko and the Russian government.\u00a0We are very impressed.<\/p>\n

And I would like to add myself – here is awesome optimistic mood.\u00a0People a positive attitude, smiling volunteers, all look happy.\u00a0When I walk here, I know many and ask for an autograph.\u00a0And it is also in the spirit of the Olympics and hospitality with which we Americans take in Sochi.\u00a0So just congratulate everyone with this (such an organization).<\/p>\n

–\u00a0Despite this, the game did not escape criticism from the Western media.\u00a0Cited security concerns and issues of LGBT people.\u00a0How did it affect the Olympics?<\/p>\n

– With all due respect to the western media, and let them speak for themselves.\u00a0Should always be compared.\u00a0I was in Sochi and a half years ago.\u00a0And I can compare what I saw then that met three days ago, and it is impressive.\u00a0I respect the safety measures taken, we have common interests with Russia and the Russian people.\u00a0This is the number one issue for us.\u00a0150 people who work here in our office (in Sochi), security – is the number one issue.We very much appreciate the fact that the Russian government is doing in this direction.\u00a0And here we are trying to do our best to interact.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0How is Russia and the United States cooperate on security issues?\u00a0Is there a special group for this, there are daily briefings with the Russian police?<\/p>\n

– Yes, it is.\u00a0You just described how we act.\u00a0Now comes the hard work, and it was built a few months ago.\u00a0As for the subject of sexual minorities, has been touched … you know the composition of our delegation, which represents the diversity that our country proud.\u00a0And it is also a demonstration of strength athletes, we are proud of.\u00a0Three days that I spent here, became an unforgettable experience in my life.\u00a0I got the opportunity to go to the women’s hockey match in the company of double Olympic champion and her comments, I got to figure skating with one of our most decorated Olympic champions!\u00a0When we support their team “Go US! Go!”\u00a0(“Come on, the United States, come on!”), Some Russian fans as they shouted “Cheers!”\u00a0(“Well done!”) This for me is the Olympic spirit.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0Can you comment on the recent scandal around a telephone conversation Undersecretary of State Victoria Nuland?<\/p>\n

– I think it’s very annoying.\u00a0I have been here (in Sochi) and do not know all the details, and I do not know who said this.\u00a0But I certainly know about the possibilities of those who we have here (in Russian) accept.\u00a0This is the thing that we (Americans) have to work.\u00a0However, and vice versa (the Russians – in the U.S.).\u00a0Publication of private conversations – it is really a violation of diplomatic practice.\u00a0This is very unfortunate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\u0420\u0418\u0410 \u041d\u043e\u0432\u043e\u0441\u0442\u0438<\/a><\/p>\n

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