{"id":6004,"date":"2015-01-03T22:05:03","date_gmt":"2015-01-04T05:05:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myfutureamerica.org\/?p=6004"},"modified":"2015-01-03T22:05:03","modified_gmt":"2015-01-04T05:05:03","slug":"lavrovs-big-interview-russia-nato-relations-armsrace-and-ukraine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myfutureamerica.org\/?p=6004","title":{"rendered":"Lavrov’s Big Interview: Russia-NATO Relations, ArmsRace and Ukraine"},"content":{"rendered":"
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<\/h1>\n
\u00a9 Sputnik\/ Evgeny Biyatov<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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INTERVIEWS<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/i>11433<\/span><\/i>48<\/span><\/i>7<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov shares his stance on everything that has happened in the past year. He sat down with RIA Novosti to discuss the subjects of Russian-NATO relations, the Ukrainian crisis, the Arctic race, the ongoing conflict in Syria and the emergence of the eastern giant – China.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Russia is affected by\u00a0Western sanctions imposed on\u00a0Moscow, especially those imposed by\u00a0Europe. Our partners in\u00a0the European Union are affected by\u00a0the countermeasures introduced by\u00a0Moscow. How efficient is it for\u00a0Russia to\u00a0keep the countermeasures in\u00a0place? Doesn’t it seem like\u00a0Moscow is trying to\u00a0save face by\u00a0putting the well-being of\u00a0Russian citizens at\u00a0risk?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sergei Lavrov: <\/strong><\/em>Unfortunately, in\u00a0our relations with\u00a0the European Union we have reached the point when goodwill gestures are unable to\u00a0produce the required result. It should be taken into\u00a0account that the current situation has resulted from\u00a0Brussels\u2019 policy toward\u00a0Ukraine, including its support for\u00a0the coup carried out\u00a0by ultranationalists in\u00a0Kiev. This drove Ukraine to\u00a0the brink of\u00a0a breakup; it has been embroiled in\u00a0a fratricidal war since\u00a0then. Subsequently, the European Union tried to\u00a0blame Russia for\u00a0the tragedy in\u00a0Ukraine. The EU has imposed unilateral sanctions on\u00a0Moscow. This practice is illegal, condemned by\u00a0the UN General Assembly and runs contrary to\u00a0WTO standards. However, the logic of\u00a0uncoiling the spiral of\u00a0EU sanctions does not correspond to\u00a0the development of\u00a0the Ukrainian crisis.<\/p>\n

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\"\"<\/div>\n
\u00a9 SPUTNIK\/ ILYA PITALEV<\/div>\n
Amended EU Sanctions Provide Relief to Russian Bank Subsidiaries<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

We have repeatedly stressed that attempts to\u00a0speak to\u00a0Russia using the language of\u00a0ultimatums is totally unacceptable and will yield no results. Our response to\u00a0these measures was balanced and it took into\u00a0account Russia\u2019s rights and responsibilities under\u00a0international treaties, including the WTO.Russia introduced countermeasures only after\u00a0Western countries had imposed sanctions on\u00a0Russia\u2019s major state banks, which are the primary moneylenders in\u00a0industry and agriculture. By restricting the access of\u00a0Russian financial institutions to\u00a0European financial instruments, Brussels has de facto created more favorable conditions for\u00a0European goods in\u00a0our domestic market. Consequently, measures to\u00a0limit food imports from\u00a0European Union countries are not sanctions. It is our right to\u00a0defend national economic interests and fight unfair competition. Russia\u2019s actions are justified and legal.<\/p>\n

Simultaneously, in\u00a0the current situation Russia is becoming more determined to\u00a0conserve resources, modernize industry and become more self-reliant in\u00a0terms of\u00a0agricultural products.<\/p>\n

We are not going to\u00a0discuss any criteria for\u00a0lifting sanctions. Lifting sanctions is the responsibility of\u00a0those who imposed them. Surely, if the European Union shows common sense, Russia will be ready for\u00a0constructive dialogue on\u00a0the issue.<\/p>\n

As Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed, even in\u00a0cases when governments of\u00a0some countries try to\u00a0isolate Moscow, Russia will actively foster cooperation, strengthen business, humanitarian, scientific, educational and cultural ties.<\/p>\n

The process of\u00a0Euro-Asian integration has intensified during\u00a0the course of\u00a0the previous year. With the West imposing sanctions on\u00a0Russia and Russia responding to\u00a0them, the role of\u00a0Euro-Asian integration and the Eurasian Economic Union grows bigger. According to\u00a0the information you have, do Belarus and Kazakhstan comply with\u00a0the obligation to\u00a0block the import of\u00a0sanctioned goods from\u00a0Europe into\u00a0Russia?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sergei Lavrov: <\/strong><\/em>During the past\u00a0couple of\u00a0years, Eurasian economic integration has established itself in\u00a0our life. The official launch of\u00a0the Eurasian Economic Union is set for\u00a0January 1, 2015. The Eurasian Economic Union is based on\u00a0equality, economic interest and mutual respect. The Union maintains each members’ sovereignty and identity, taking integration and cooperation to\u00a0a new level. It is destined to\u00a0play a significant role in\u00a0improving the competitiveness of\u00a0the national economies of\u00a0Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, as\u00a0well as\u00a0stabilizing the whole region.<\/p>\n

Regarding the pressure from\u00a0the West, my colleagues and I agree that these restrictive measures towards\u00a0Russia are against\u00a0international law and do not contribute to\u00a0the improvement of\u00a0the domestic crisis in\u00a0Ukraine.<\/p>\n

Considering that the Western economic sanctions were aimed at\u00a0targeting Russia, our retaliatory measures were imposed on\u00a0a unilateral basis on\u00a0countries that sanctioned us. The rules and regulations of\u00a0the Customs Union allow its members to\u00a0impose trade regulations on\u00a0third parties only if there has been economic pressure from\u00a0that country towards\u00a0any one member of\u00a0the Customs Union. Despite that rule, the Customs Union at\u00a0the moment is not considering imposing trade regulations to\u00a0the West in\u00a0response to\u00a0Western sanctions on\u00a0Russia. The possibility that this might happen in\u00a0the future remains open, though.<\/p>\n

Regarding Belarus and Kazakhstan and their compliance with\u00a0the import ban of\u00a0EU goods to\u00a0Russia: In the conditions of\u00a0a unified market it is quite difficult to\u00a0rule out\u00a0dishonest actions by\u00a0western economic agents, who could profit by\u00a0smuggling banned goods into\u00a0Russia. In the meantime, the leaders of\u00a0Belarus and Kazakhstan assure us that they will prevent such actions. We have no reasons to\u00a0doubt this. We are satisfied with\u00a0their cooperation and are grateful for\u00a0the provided assistance.<\/p>\n

The growth of\u00a0economic pressure on\u00a0Russia and our retaliatory measures open new horizons for\u00a0augmenting trade possibilities within\u00a0the Customs Union. We are ready to\u00a0help Kazakhstan and Belarus occupy niches in\u00a0the Russian market that had become vacant as\u00a0a result of\u00a0the myopic Western policy. It’s evident that Minsk and Astana will take advantage of\u00a0the emerging possibilities.<\/p>\n

Difficult relations with\u00a0Western countries let many experts to\u00a0talk about\u00a0a certain turn in\u00a0Russia’s foreign policy and its foreign trade to\u00a0the East. China is obviously a principal partner in\u00a0this area. Is there no fear that dependence on\u00a0China will become too strong and that Beijing could take advantage of\u00a0this?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sergei Lavrov:\u00a0 <\/strong><\/em>Our country is pursuing a multi-vector foreign policy, as\u00a0stated in\u00a0the new edition of\u00a0Concept of\u00a0the Foreign Policy of\u00a0Russian Federation, approved by\u00a0the President in\u00a0February 2013. We are ready to\u00a0develop mutual and equal relations with\u00a0all those who show an oncoming willingness to\u00a0do that. Putin has repeatedly stated that interaction with\u00a0the Asia-Pacific region is a strategic priority for\u00a0us throughout\u00a0the 21 century, and that Russia, as\u00a0an Asia-Pacific power, will take full advantage of\u00a0the enormous potential of\u00a0the region’s rapid development, including the development of\u00a0the Far East and Eastern Siberia. Thus, we are interested to\u00a0be actively involved in\u00a0the integration processes of\u00a0the region. At the same time, we would like\u00a0to do this not as\u00a0an alternative to\u00a0relations with\u00a0the EU, but\u00a0simultaneously with\u00a0their intensification.<\/p>\n

Our relations with\u00a0China are not of\u00a0an opportunistic nature and are not directed against\u00a0anyone. We are the two largest states, which historically live in\u00a0close proximity. In October we marked the 65th anniversary of\u00a0the establishment of\u00a0diplomatic relations between\u00a0our countries. Russian-Chinese relations have since\u00a0come a long way, steadily developing over\u00a0the past\u00a0twenty years. The most important milestones are normalization in\u00a0the late eighties, the establishment of\u00a0a strategic partnership and cooperation in\u00a0the nineties, and the signing and successful implementation of\u00a0the 2001 Treaty of\u00a0Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation.<\/p>\n

In the second decade of\u00a0the 21st century, our relations have reached a new level\u00a0\u2014 a comprehensive, equitable and trustful partnership and strategic interaction. This formula includes an intensive deepening of\u00a0political contacts, practical cooperation and cooperation in\u00a0the international arena. As the leaders of\u00a0our countries have repeatedly pointed out, relations between\u00a0Russia and China are currently the best in\u00a0their entire history.<\/p>\n

The reason for\u00a0such successful development is rooted in\u00a0the fact that it is based on\u00a0the mutual consideration of\u00a0interests, mutual respect, equality, and non-interference in\u00a0internal affairs. These are\u00a0\u2014 in\u00a0every sense\u00a0\u2014 mutually beneficial relations, in\u00a0which there are no seniors and juniors, leaders and followers. The course of\u00a0Russian-Chinese relations takes into\u00a0account the core interests of\u00a0the two nations and we have no plans to\u00a0change it.<\/p>\n

The highest level of\u00a0confidence promotes further progress in\u00a0all areas. In May this year, President Putin paid an official visit to\u00a0the People’s Republic of\u00a0China. The negotiations were followed by\u00a0the signing of\u00a0the Joint Statement of\u00a0the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of\u00a0China on\u00a0a new phase of\u00a0our comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation. About fifty agreements were signed in\u00a0the course of\u00a0the meeting. Moreover, a solid package of\u00a0documents was signed following\u00a0a meeting between\u00a0President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in\u00a0Beijing on\u00a0the eve of\u00a0the APEC forum in\u00a0November.<\/p>\n

The “receptacle” of\u00a0the outgoing year includes the final stage of\u00a0an agreement for\u00a0a 30-year annual supply of\u00a038 billion cubic meters of\u00a0gas to\u00a0China through\u00a0the eastern sector of\u00a0the Russian-Chinese border and the signing of\u00a0a framework agreement for\u00a0the supply of\u00a0an additional 30 billion cubic meters through\u00a0the western sector. New horizons of\u00a0energy dialogue are connected with\u00a0prospects of\u00a0liquid gas supplies from\u00a0Russia to\u00a0China. Chinese partners have become involved in\u00a0a large-scale project “Yamal LNG”; they are members of\u00a0the Vankor project. This is the result of\u00a0years of\u00a0hard work on\u00a0both sides.<\/p>\n

Obviously, if the relationship between\u00a0other countries resembled the Russian-Chinese, it would only benefit international stability and security.<\/p>\n

In future the Russian-Chinese relationship looks positive. We are sure that the multi-faceted bilateral cooperation will further deepen progressively, benefiting our peoples, regardless of\u00a0any short-term fluctuations in\u00a0the political sphere.<\/p>\n

Following elections in\u00a0Ukraine, you mentioned that you are determined to\u00a0meet your Ukrainian counterpart. When will this meeting take place? Do you perceive the current Kiev authorities as\u00a0a partner in\u00a0negotiations, committed to\u00a0solving the Ukrainian crisis?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sergei Lavrov:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em> We are open to\u00a0constructive dialogue. I have always tried to\u00a0maintain working relations with\u00a0Ukrainian counterparts. We discuss current issues, including implementation of\u00a0agreements, reached during\u00a0high level talks.<\/p>\n

At the moment, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is our main partner in\u00a0seeking a resolution to\u00a0the conflict in\u00a0the southeast of\u00a0the country. Poroshenko\u2019s peace plan and corresponding initiatives, announced by\u00a0Russian President Vladimir Putin, have become the foundation of\u00a0the Minsk agreements. Their implementation is key to\u00a0solving the crisis. Poroshenko has repeatedly stated that armed hostilities in\u00a0Donbas cannot break out\u00a0again. Russia hopes that his words will be backed by\u00a0real steps to\u00a0ease tensions and establish lasting peace in\u00a0the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as\u00a0well as\u00a0launch an inclusive political dialogue in\u00a0Ukraine.<\/p>\n

The Contact Group on\u00a0Ukraine, scheduled to\u00a0meet in\u00a0the coming days, will discuss a plan developed by\u00a0military experts. It outlines specific steps to\u00a0implement the Minsk agreements. Russia hopes the plan will be put into\u00a0effect.<\/p>\n

Russia believes that the new Ukrainian cabinet of\u00a0ministers, formed after\u00a0the snap parliamentary elections held on\u00a0October 26, will also contribute to\u00a0the process of\u00a0tackling the crisis.<\/p>\n

Russia will continue to\u00a0assist Ukraine. Moscow has lately provided $32.5 \u2013 $33.5 billion to\u00a0the country. Russia will continue to\u00a0contribute to\u00a0creating a favorable climate to\u00a0tackle the major challenges Ukrainian people face.<\/p>\n

Does Moscow support the territorial integrity of\u00a0Ukraine? Armed conflict still endures in\u00a0Eastern Ukraine and the humanitarian situation in\u00a0the region is far from\u00a0being stable. Under these conditions is there a possibility to\u00a0officially recognize the Donetsk and Luhansk regions\u2019 independence? What will be the \u201cRed Line\u201d, after\u00a0which the recognition of\u00a0the two provinces is possible?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sergei Lavrov:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em> In his speech last week, Vladimir Putin stressed that every nation has the inalienable right to\u00a0self-determination and the sovereign right to\u00a0choose its own path of\u00a0development, and Russia would always respect the choice. This fully applies to\u00a0the Ukrainian nation.<\/p>\n

It is obvious that without\u00a0mutually acceptable arrangements to\u00a0settle a domestic crisis within\u00a0the country by\u00a0the Ukrainians themselves, it will be impossible to\u00a0reach any agreement. The need for\u00a0an all-encompassing national dialogue, in\u00a0which all regions and political factions could participate, was documented in\u00a0an agreement from\u00a0February 21, a declaration in\u00a0Geneva made by\u00a0Russia, Ukraine, the United States and European Union on\u00a0April 17, as\u00a0well as\u00a0the Minsk Agreement of\u00a0September 5. The internal Ukrainian dialogue should discuss issues of\u00a0the national constitution, which would guarantee inclusion, safety and respect for\u00a0human rights of\u00a0all Ukrainian citizens, regardless of\u00a0their ethnic origin, and make sure that radicalism and nationalism is stopped in\u00a0its tracks.<\/p>\n

In our opinion, the lack of\u00a0a balanced constitutional system in\u00a0Ukraine that takes into\u00a0account the interests of\u00a0various regions and all of\u00a0the nation’s ethnic and language groups had caused the political cataclysms that have been shaking the foundations of\u00a0the Ukrainian state for\u00a0many years.<\/p>\n

We are convinced that the purpose and goal of\u00a0a new draft law on\u00a0amendments to\u00a0the Ukrainian constitution should not be merely a cosmetic revision of\u00a0the previous texts, but\u00a0rather the emergence of\u00a0a carefully revised and updated constitution, which would be perceived by\u00a0the multiethnic Ukrainian society as\u00a0a legitimate long-term document and the legal basis for\u00a0the state governed by\u00a0the rule of\u00a0law that guarantees the equality of\u00a0all regions and ethnic groups. We will try to\u00a0ensure that this will be successfully performed.<\/p>\n

The self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People\u2019s Republics had their elections on\u00a0November 2. As a result of\u00a0the election, local administrative authorities were formed. According to\u00a0public statements coming from\u00a0the leaders of\u00a0the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the Donbas republics are ready to\u00a0collaborate with\u00a0the government in\u00a0Kiev to\u00a0work on\u00a0economic, social and political issues. In response, Kiev implemented a blockade of\u00a0the eastern regions, cutting them off\u00a0from the state\u2019s financial system. Earlier, President Poroshenko proposed to\u00a0revoke the Verkhovna Rada\u2019s Law, which provides special rights to\u00a0the local governments of\u00a0the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Such steps will only increase distrust between\u00a0the two sides.<\/p>\n

We would like\u00a0to recall that during\u00a0the Minsk talks, representatives from\u00a0Kiev, Donetsk and Luhansk agreed not only to\u00a0the armistice, but\u00a0also to\u00a0implement so-called \u201cpostwar\u201d development of\u00a0the Donbas region. The Minsk Agreement confirmed the need for\u00a0the adoption of\u00a0a series of\u00a0measures to\u00a0improve the humanitarian situation in\u00a0the Donbas region, the development of\u00a0an economic plan and the recovery of\u00a0socio-political sectors. Russia, as\u00a0the co-facilitator of\u00a0the Minsk Agreement, intends to\u00a0take an active role in\u00a0the implementation of\u00a0these conditions.<\/p>\n

How do you assess the work of\u00a0the OSCE observer mission in\u00a0the conflict zone in\u00a0the Donetsk and Luhansk regions? How effective and impartial is it?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sergei Lavrov: <\/strong><\/em>The role of\u00a0OSCE in\u00a0regulating the situation in\u00a0Ukraine was discussed in\u00a0detail during\u00a0the meeting of\u00a0the Council of\u00a0Ministers of\u00a0Foreign Affairs in\u00a0Basel on\u00a0December 4-5.<\/p>\n

Let me remind you that the decision to\u00a0establish the special monitoring mission OSCE in\u00a0Ukraine by\u00a0the governmental participants in\u00a0March was in\u00a0light of\u00a0the urgent requirement to\u00a0de-escalate the increasing tension inside\u00a0the country.<\/p>\n

The observers were required to\u00a0monitor the security situation and rapidly inform government participants in\u00a0case of\u00a0possible incidents of\u00a0human rights violations, including the rights of\u00a0minority nationals. Without a doubt, the fact that a significant number of\u00a0international observers were present on\u00a0Ukrainian soil, according to\u00a0our estimates, played a stabilizing role. At the same time, frankly, we expected more. The result of\u00a0their work and input in\u00a0regulating the Ukrainian crisis directly depends on\u00a0fairness and adequacy of\u00a0their assessments of\u00a0what is happening in\u00a0Ukraine. It must be noted that in\u00a0some situations the observers lack hardness and integrity.<\/p>\n

The observers managed to\u00a0not notice the widespread use of\u00a0Ukrainian military heavy weapons and prohibited ammunition against\u00a0civilians, and the targeted destruction of\u00a0vital facilities in\u00a0the cities of\u00a0the southeast.<\/p>\n

The information on\u00a0the humanitarian situation in\u00a0Donbas is heavily altered. The coverage of\u00a0Odessa and Mariupol was given blurry coverage; it was almost neglected. The same went for\u00a0airstrikes on\u00a0Luhansk, the systematic destruction of\u00a0Slavyansk, the facts of\u00a0unjustified detentions, and the beatings and killings of\u00a0Russian journalists. But the militia movements and their military equipment were given deliberate nonstop attention and excessive coverage.<\/p>\n

All of\u00a0us understand the situation in\u00a0which the observers have to\u00a0act. It is not just the immense political pressure from\u00a0Kiev and its Western curators.<\/p>\n

The lives of\u00a0OSCE observers are under\u00a0threat; their immunity, as\u00a0it turned out, is only nominally guaranteed by\u00a0Kiev. We are forced to\u00a0once again remind the leadership of\u00a0Ukraine of\u00a0the commitments taken in\u00a0regard to\u00a0OSCE to\u00a0ensure the safety of\u00a0all employees of\u00a0the monitoring mission.<\/p>\n

A sharp decline in\u00a0Russian-American relations has become one of\u00a0the main results of\u00a0the year. Some experts say that these relations are close to\u00a0the Cold War level. How correct is this assessment, in\u00a0your opinion? What is needed to\u00a0improve them and is Russia ready to\u00a0make the first move?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sergei Lavrov: <\/strong><\/em>In the address to\u00a0the Federal Assembly President Vladimir Putin underscored that policies of\u00a0containment toward\u00a0our country were not invented yesterday \u2013 every time someone thinks that Russia becomes too strong, independent, these instruments are quickly put into\u00a0use.<\/p>\n

Problems in\u00a0our relations with\u00a0the US had started to\u00a0accrue before\u00a0the Ukrainian crisis, what is more \u2013 not through\u00a0our fault. We can recall, for\u00a0example, the notorious Magnitsky Act passed in\u00a02012. But what has been going on\u00a0since the beginning of\u00a0this year is even more dispiriting. The White House has set a course for\u00a0confrontation, blaming Russia for\u00a0all sins in\u00a0connection with\u00a0the Ukrainian crisis that they had provoked to\u00a0a significant extent.<\/p>\n

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\"\"<\/div>\n
\u00a9 FOTOLIA\/ VALERIY<\/div>\n
Russia-US ‘Reset’ Became History After Obama’s Second Term: Moscow<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

On a practical level, Washington wound down\u00a0the bilateral dialogue concerning the majority of\u00a0issues back in\u00a0Spring, including freezing the activity of\u00a0the crated in\u00a02009 Presidential Commission whose task groups dealt with, above\u00a0all else, the fight against\u00a0terrorism and drug trafficking. Simultaneously sanctions contradicting international law and WTO regulations were imposed; they have already hit 50 Russian nationals, 47 companies and banks. All this is accompanied with\u00a0Washington\u2019s aggressive utterances including leveling Russia, along\u00a0with ISIL and Ebola virus, as\u00a0a primary global threat.Such rhetoric can indeed cause certain associations. But the times when international relations were defined by\u00a0one or several superpowers have passed. In the modern world, where several independent centers of\u00a0power operate, attempts to\u00a0isolate some of\u00a0the leaders or impose one\u2019s own unilateral recipes from\u00a0a position of \u201cexceptionalism\u201d, which the US has taken, is futile.<\/p>\n

Yet despite\u00a0all disagreements on\u00a0Ukraine, Americans inform us about\u00a0their willingness to\u00a0cooperate in\u00a0resolving pressing global problems, generally work on\u00a0a \u201cpositive agenda\u201d in\u00a0the relations. Truth be told, these right words and appeals exist in\u00a0parallel reality with\u00a0the practical deeds of\u00a0Washington that have unfriendly character. This is partially connected with\u00a0wavering internal political conjuncture in\u00a0the US, including the current tasks of\u00a0election campaigns.<\/p>\n

As president Putin noted, talking with\u00a0Russia from\u00a0a position of\u00a0strength is useless. We remember that the current decline in\u00a0relations between\u00a0our countries is not the first one. Time after\u00a0time violent eruptions of\u00a0rusophobic emotions in\u00a0Washington were later changed by\u00a0the sobering understanding that cooperation is much better. Especially considering a possible result of\u00a0discord between\u00a0nuclear superpowers on\u00a0global security and strategic stability.<\/p>\n

For our part, we are always open to\u00a0a constructive and fair political dialogue with\u00a0the USA in\u00a0both international affairs and on\u00a0the global stage where our countries bear a special responsibility for\u00a0global security and stability. The question is when will Washington be ready to\u00a0cooperate on\u00a0principles of\u00a0true equality and take Russian interests into\u00a0account, which we will never abandon under\u00a0any circumstances.<\/p>\n

As for\u00a0the highest level contacts, they have not been stopped. President Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama have met three times met this year, including at\u00a0the recent summits of\u00a0APEC in\u00a0Beijing and G20 in\u00a0Brisbane. Besides, they talked ten times on\u00a0the phone, and these conversations were quite long and were mainly initiated by\u00a0the White House. Moreover, there has been no lack of\u00a0conversation between\u00a0US State Secretary John Kerry and myself \u2013 we have had 16 comprehensive meetings, including one on\u00a0December 4 on\u00a0the sidelines of\u00a0the OECD Ministerial Council meeting in\u00a0Basel, not to\u00a0mention dozens of\u00a0phone conversations.<\/p>\n

Russia and the US are the initiators and leaders of\u00a0the global process of\u00a0disarmament, in\u00a0particular nuclear. The two countries have a range of\u00a0important agreements in\u00a0the field \u2013 the INF and START treaties. Does the dramatic cooling in\u00a0relations pose a threat to\u00a0the implementation of\u00a0the agreements?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sergei Lavrov: <\/strong><\/em>It has to\u00a0be clear that there is no direct connection between\u00a0the cooling of\u00a0Russian-US relations and the implementation of\u00a0arms control agreements.<\/p>\n

The START treaty is, of\u00a0course, useful because it matches our interests and contributes to\u00a0the enhancement of\u00a0strategic stability, in\u00a0whole. There are no special difficulties with\u00a0its implementation, and technical issues are solved by\u00a0a special bilateral commission.<\/p>\n

At the same time, we remind and will continue to\u00a0remind our American colleagues about\u00a0the wording in\u00a0the preamble to\u00a0the treaty, which states a relatively inextricable connection between\u00a0offensive and defensive arms. In his address to\u00a0the Federal Assembly, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that the ongoing persevering efforts to\u00a0create a global US missile defense system pose threats not only to\u00a0Russia\u2019s security, but\u00a0also to\u00a0the entire world, because of\u00a0a possible imbalance in\u00a0strategic forces. We warn that we will have to\u00a0take adequate measures at\u00a0a certain stage of\u00a0the creation of\u00a0the US missile defense system. Russia has no intention to\u00a0drift into\u00a0a costly arms race; however, we will surely maintain the defense capacity of\u00a0our country.<\/p>\n

As for\u00a0the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, in\u00a0July, the US started to\u00a0accuse Russia of\u00a0its breach without\u00a0any reason. But the US has provided no evidence so far. What is more, the US does not clearly answer our questions on\u00a0its commitment to\u00a0the spirit and letter of\u00a0the document. For example, contrary to\u00a0the agreement, the US plans to\u00a0start deploying missile defense launchers in\u00a0Romania and Poland next year, which can be used for\u00a0launching offensive middle-range cruise missiles, such as\u00a0Tomahawks. Unfortunately, Washington pretends not to\u00a0see Russia\u2019s concerns.<\/p>\n

We believe that the issue over\u00a0the agreement should be solved through\u00a0diplomatic channels, as\u00a0opposed to\u00a0through “megaphone diplomacy.”<\/p>\n

Russian-NATO relations have suffered considerably over\u00a0the past\u00a0year, rolling back practically to\u00a0zero, if not worse. Is Russia\u2019s ceremonial presence in\u00a0NATO (permanent mission) and NATO\u2019s presence in\u00a0Russia (information center) worthwhile in\u00a0these conditions?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sergei Lavrov:<\/strong><\/em> The alliance continues its course toward\u00a0containing Russia; steps are being taken to\u00a0strengthen military potential with\u00a0the consequent boosting of\u00a0the bloc\u2019s military capacity at\u00a0Russia\u2019s borders. A decision has been made to\u00a0suspend practical cooperation with\u00a0our country along\u00a0military and civilian lines. Such actions, undoubtedly, contribute to\u00a0the growing tensions and undermine stability in\u00a0the Euro-Atlantic region.<\/p>\n

Despite this, we consider it necessary to\u00a0keep channels for\u00a0political dialog open. The actions of\u00a0Russia\u2019s permanent representative in\u00a0NATO are aimed to\u00a0achieve this task.<\/p>\n

As for\u00a0NATO\u2019s information center in\u00a0Moscow, it performs its activities in\u00a0accordance with\u00a0provisions of\u00a0the Fundamental Russia-NATO Pact, which our country strictly complies with. At this time we see no reasons to\u00a0review our position on\u00a0this.<\/p>\n

Washington\u2019s aggressive rhetoric in\u00a0regard to\u00a0Tehran is gradually moderating; the Times have recently reported of\u00a0alleged \u2018clandestine negotiations\u2019 around\u00a0the possible opening of\u00a0a US representational office in\u00a0Iran. How would you evaluate the prospects of\u00a0the US-Iran dialogue; will they reflect on\u00a0 Tehran-Moscow relations and how will they contribute to\u00a0the Iranian nuclear talks?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sergei Lavrov:<\/strong><\/em> Regarding the possible opening of\u00a0a US representation office in\u00a0Iran you\u2019d better ask the Americans and, of\u00a0course, the Iranians. On our part, we have always spoken in\u00a0support of\u00a0normalization in\u00a0American-Iranian relations, as\u00a0the prolonged crisis in\u00a0their mutual relations does not benefit the interest of\u00a0both nations.<\/p>\n

In our view, a full-scale political dialogue between\u00a0Tehran and Washington, including on\u00a0matters of\u00a0regional security, is long overdue. We believe that better relations between\u00a0these two nations would contribute to\u00a0stability in\u00a0and outside\u00a0the Middle East, spur a solution to\u00a0the issues regarding Iran’s nuclear program, and boost the efficiency of\u00a0efforts directed against\u00a0international terrorism and drug-related threats.<\/p>\n

Within the ongoing talks around\u00a0the Iranian nuclear program, negotiators from\u00a0both Washington and Tehran are sustaining active talks, providing rapprochements on\u00a0a wide variety of\u00a0issues on\u00a0their way toward\u00a0a final resolution. On our part, we support any measure that brings us closer to\u00a0the comprehensive agreement.<\/p>\n

In a recent interview to\u00a0American media Russia\u2019s PM Dmitry Medvedev spoke of\u00a0evidence that suggested the US no longer intends to\u00a0oust the regime of\u00a0Bashar al-Assad in\u00a0Syria, but\u00a0is instead trying to\u00a0find opportunities for\u00a0separate negotiations with\u00a0Damascus, including the fight against\u00a0Islamic State (IS) terrorists. Is Russia able to\u00a0contribute to\u00a0such contacts and has Moscow been addressed by\u00a0the Americans with\u00a0a corresponding request? Is Moscow ready to\u00a0consider the UNSC resolution on\u00a0countering IS in\u00a0case such document is brought into\u00a0discussion? Under which circumstances will Russia support it<\/strong>?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sergei Lavrov:<\/strong><\/em> First of\u00a0all, I would like\u00a0to say that Washington has never seen us as\u00a0a direct member of\u00a0the anti-IS coalition, which it created in\u00a0accordance with\u00a0its own rules and parameters, without\u00a0a backward glance at\u00a0international law. Moreover, President Obama has repeatedly put Russia on\u00a0the list of\u00a0global threats in\u00a0line with\u00a0IS and Ebola virus. Against such a background, the timely pleads of\u00a0other US representatives to ‘unite efforts’ against\u00a0IS terrorists carry little conviction.<\/p>\n

The US did not address us with\u00a0a plea to\u00a0provide a contact with\u00a0Damascus. Quite the opposite, it is our constant calling on\u00a0them to\u00a0not neglect the Syrian authorities that is countering IS. However, Washington stubbornly insists that the US \u2018cannot in\u00a0principle\u2019 recognize the \u2018legitimacy\u2019 of\u00a0the Bashar Assad regime, even indirectly. They continue demonizing Assad while retaining their right to\u00a0apply force anywhere, anytime, on\u00a0a unilateral basis. This is why the Obama administration did not apply to\u00a0the UNSC when forming the anti-IS coalition.<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t think there is a need for\u00a0our mediation in\u00a0contacts between\u00a0Damascus and the Americans. During the period of\u00a0sharp escalation in\u00a0Syria in\u00a0August 2013 US Secretary of\u00a0State John Kerry phoned the Syrian FM Walid Moallem. There are also other opportunities for\u00a0direct contacts.<\/p>\n

Russia is known as\u00a0actively proposing the consolidation of\u00a0international efforts in\u00a0countering terrorism and extremism, including in\u00a0the Middle East. This is evidenced, among\u00a0others, by\u00a0our role in\u00a0adopting UNSC Resolutions 2170 and 2178. We also insist that such efforts should be universalist and complex in\u00a0nature, based on\u00a0international law and legitimate mechanisms.<\/p>\n

It is impossible to\u00a0lead a war on\u00a0terrorism within\u00a0the territory of\u00a0a foreign nation without\u00a0checking with\u00a0its legitimate authorities.<\/p>\n

Otherwise this may trigger an adverse effect, the consequences of\u00a0which will be reflected on\u00a0Middle-Eastern nations. We have seen this in\u00a0Afghanistan, in\u00a0Iraq, in\u00a0Libya.<\/p>\n

According to\u00a0experts, international tension resulted in\u00a0the stirring up\u00a0of the \u201cArctic Race\u201d. Here, Russia is one of\u00a0the recognized leaders. On what stage is the UN\u2019s consideration of\u00a0Russia\u2019s claim to\u00a0expand the borders of\u00a0Russia\u2019s continental shelf? When could a decision be made, and what are, in\u00a0your opinion the chances of\u00a0success?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sergei Lavrov:<\/strong><\/em> The \u201cArctic Race\u201d cannot exist in\u00a0principle. International law on\u00a0Arctic waters clearly determines the rights of\u00a0both coastal arctic and other states. This includes access to\u00a0developing extraction of\u00a0mineral resources, oil and gas deposits, as\u00a0well as\u00a0managing marine biological stocks. International law also regulates the ability of\u00a0countries to\u00a0expand the external border of\u00a0their continental shelf. Today\u2019s complicated international situation does not create any significant changes to\u00a0the established order.<\/p>\n

Remember, Russia, in\u00a0accordance with\u00a0the UN Convention on\u00a0the Law of\u00a0the Sea in\u00a01982, submitted a request regarding the continental shelf of\u00a0the Arctic Ocean to\u00a0the Commission on\u00a0the Limits of\u00a0the Continental Shelf for\u00a0the first time back in\u00a02001. At this time there is a great array of\u00a0additional scientific data to\u00a0substantiate Russia\u2019s claim, the filing process of\u00a0which is being concluded. The request will be made in\u00a0the next several months. It can sometimes take as\u00a0long as\u00a0five years for\u00a0the Commission to\u00a0study a request and prepare a recommendation. Considering the high quality of\u00a0evidence that supports Russia\u2019s request, we have all reasons to\u00a0believe that it has a high chance of\u00a0success.<\/p>\n

source<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u00a9 Sputnik\/ Evgeny Biyatov INTERVIEWS 13:00 09.12.2014(updated 17:59 10.12.2014) 11433487 Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov shares his stance on everything that has happened in the past year. He sat down with RIA Novosti to discuss the subjects of Russian-NATO relations, the Ukrainian crisis, the Arctic race, the ongoing conflict in Syria and the emergence of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6005,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[104,114],"tags":[1133,622,842],"class_list":["post-6004","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-world-2","tag-1133","tag-interview","tag-lavrov"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/myfutureamerica.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/download-5.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p2SfUR-1yQ","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/myfutureamerica.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6004","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/myfutureamerica.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/myfutureamerica.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myfutureamerica.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myfutureamerica.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6004"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/myfutureamerica.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6004\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6006,"href":"https:\/\/myfutureamerica.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6004\/revisions\/6006"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myfutureamerica.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/6005"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/myfutureamerica.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6004"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myfutureamerica.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6004"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myfutureamerica.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6004"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}