– We respond symmetrically, this is a diplomatic practice – said the minister in an interview with Russian media, including the high-circulation newspaper “Komsomolskaya Pravda”.
He stated that Russia is under no obligation to account before European Union from its actions because it has its own constitution and laws. The future of relations with the EU will not be good, he assessed. – Economic interests should be maintained. The economic operators should decide for themselves what is in their favor. But to run and humiliate ourselves – that is below our dignity – said Lavrov.
He referred to his telephone conversation with the head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, and assessed that the EU representative “as an experienced man is well aware that without Russia it is difficult to resolve many issues in which the EU is interested”. He assessed that the European Union should be encouraged to enter into a partnership with Russia, for example by “an instinct to ensure one’s own interests”.
Nevertheless, he added, “for the time being, the European Union is unable to cope with the Russophobic minority” which “is blocking some constructive approach to developing relations with Russia”.
The head of Russian diplomacy also spoke about the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. He expressed the opinion that Russian peacekeepers should be present in the disputed region, but – he reserved – the last word belongs to the parties to the conflict.
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