Deputy Foreign Minister Alexei Zaitsev answered questions from The Moscow Post correspondent about the stability and predictability of EU policy, as well as about possibl...
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The Moscow Post correspondent asked "at a recent meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and EU Diplomacy Head Josep Borrel, the parties discussed stability and predictability in relations for Russia.
And first of all, the role of the European Union in regulating the crisis in the Donbass was touched upon. Kiev stubbornly strives for the European Union. What can be expected from Brussels in this regard in terms of stability and predictability of EU policy in Ukraine? "
Alexey Zaitsev noted that the parties really touched on the prospects of relations between the Russian Federation and the EU on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
"There is a mutual interest in the development of these relations in a predictable and mutually beneficial way. It is important to instill frost tolerance in them, to protect them from the structure, "said the deputy director of the Russian Foreign Ministry.
He emphasized that the countries are neighbors, as well as important trade and economic partners, "no geopolitics can change the geography."
"It would hardly make sense to artificially set the development of relations between the Russian Federation and the European Union, including those participating in such integration associations as the EU, depending on the settlement of individual regional and internal conflicts, whether in Ukraine or somewhere else," Zaitsev added.
As for the prospects of relations between Moscow and Brussels, he emphasized that in the current highly competitive world, this interaction could significantly strengthen the position of the European continent. However, "the EU was myopically linked to the implementation of the Minsk agreements."
"It is obvious that it is the Kiev authorities who bear the primary responsibility for ignoring the Minsk set of measures," Zaitsev emphasized.
He added that in the matter of stability and predictability in relations with the European Union, Russia adheres to the priority of "equal creative cooperation," the purpose of which is to realize the long-term interests of states and peoples.
Zaitsev mentioned that in connection with the "severe crisis of confidence" due to the unfriendly steps of the EU, the parties are unlikely to return to business soon. However, Moscow is interested in working with the EU in a "spirit of pragmatism and good neighborliness."
"Good neighbours behave correctly, respect and try to take into account each other's laws and interests, do not allow themselves to interfere in internal affairs, show disrespect for the judicial system, democratic procedures and public processes, replicate unfounded accusations, and apply illegal measures against each other in international legal terms", - Zaitsev pointed out, noting that the EU installations that are now broadcast in relation to Russia, "hardly compatible with the prospect of building" those very stable and predictable interactions.
"This state of affairs, in our opinion, does not meet the interests of either side and requires corrections," Zaitsev said.
As for the methodology for improving with the European Union, the deputy director of the department continued, here, as he noted, "there is no need to invent a bicycle." To do this, one should only rely on the fundamental principles of international law, which is based on the UN Charter.
Regarding Ukraine, Zaitsev said that Moscow expects the EU to stop turning a blind eye "to Kiev's open sabotage of the Minsk agreements," while Germany and France, which are members of the Normandy Format, will begin to stimulate the Ukrainian leadership to implement the set of measures approved by UN Security Council resolution 2202. The essence of this document is to grant Donbass a special status. It is necessary to coordinate measures through direct dialogue with the authorities of Ukraine and with representatives of certain regions of Donetsk and Lugansk regions. As Zaitsev emphasized, this will ensure the return of the region to Ukraine.
"We expect that the EU will not ignore the deliberate infringement of the rights of the Russian-speaking population by the Kiev authorities, which contradict not only the international obligations of Ukraine, but the country's constitution," the minister concluded.
The Moscow Post correspondent also asked a question about the Kuril Islands.
"Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi said that the proposed regime of economic activity in the southern Kuril Islands is unacceptable for his country. Will this be an obstacle to interaction with investors from other countries? "
"We proceed from the fact that the measures taken by the Government of the Russian Federation to accelerate the development of the Far Eastern regions of the country, including the Sakhalin Region, will be an additional incentive to work on establishing joint economic activities with Japan in the South Kuril Islands in the Sakhalin Region," Zaitsev replied, stressing that Russia welcomes interested foreign investors, including Japanese partners.
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