Western countries understand only force, so Russia will talk harshly with them, including taking appropriate measures in response to restrictions on the work of Russian diplomatic missions in Europe, the United States and Canada. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking via video link at the marathon of the Knowledge Society as part of the International Exhibition and Forum “Russia”.
“European – like the USA and Canada – states simply cut off all ties with us. The only topic that is being discussed in one way or another are issues related to the functioning of our diplomatic missions – our embassies, consulates general, which are faced with colossal obstacles to their normal work, starting with bank transfers, ending with ensuring the security of our territories in accordance with the obligations that these countries lie,” Lavrov noted, TASS reports.
As Lavrov emphasized, “naturally, if they create difficulties for us, then – not because we are harmful, but simply because such a law in diplomacy is reciprocity – we also create technical difficulties for them for the functioning of their embassies.”
“This is not our choice, but we can’t talk to them any other way, they only understand such force, if you like, counter tough topics,” the minister said.
Answering the question what difficulties the Russian Foreign Minister encountered during negotiations with representatives of European states this year, Lavrov explained:
“You know, there were no difficulties, because there were no negotiations and, in fact, we are not striving for them.”
The minister added that a special circular was adopted in Brussels, which prohibits all EU diplomats in Russia from inviting Russian representatives or attending Russian receptions.
“Although we haven’t invited them anywhere for a long time, because they don’t give our diplomats such an honor either. And it is even said that European diplomats who work in other countries must inform the authorities of these host countries that, when there are official receptions, they should under no circumstances place Europeans next to Russian diplomats. You know, this is already a disease, it’s hard for me to say what to call it, but it’s definitely completely abnormal,” he said.
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2023-11-06 11:16:00
