VETERAN RUSSIAN TOP DIPLOMAT SERGEY LAVROV RESPONDED TO A VARIETY OF QUESTIONS FROM THE MEDIA. BELOW IS A SELECTION OF HIS POINTED ANSWERS:
ON THE WEST:
“The West is intoxicated by its perceived “greatness,” its impunity* , and its self-endowed authority to dictate the destinies of peoples worldwide. This reflects arrogance and a disdainful attitude towards the rest of the world. In their view, the word ‘democracy’ signifies merely one thing – “we do as we please.” It is sheer hypocrisy, dictatorial behaviour, disrespect for the populace, and a gross overestimation of one’s intellectual and other capabilities.”
ON THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL:
“The UN Security Council reform is needed. Not all countries that bear special responsibility in the global economy, finance, politics, and military affairs are represented in the UN Security Council. It has been pointed out repeatedly that countries such as India and Brazil have long earned permanent Security Council membership on all counts, as has Africa.”
ON RUSSIA-CHINA RELATIONS:
“Without a doubt, Russia-China partnership is among the key factors stabilising modern international life and the ongoing processes that are used, among other things, to escalate confrontation and hostility in international affairs, which is what our neighbours from NATO engage in under US guidance. The United States is seeking to drive wedges and sow discord, be it in Europe, the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, or as they say, the Indo-Pacific region, be it the Middle East or Africa.”
“After World War II ended with the defeat of German Nazism in Europe and Japanese militarism in the Far East, our leaders agreed to jointly celebrate these two outstanding events which are the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II in Europe and the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II in the Far East. This is an essential component that cements the comprehensive Russia-China partnership and strategic cooperation.”
“I believe the secret of success lies in our shared history. We do not reject this history. Unlike the West, neither Russia nor China has ever dialed back on their commitments, including those codified in the UN Charter. The entities relying on Russia-China partnership and joint initiatives belong to a new type of association, without leaders or followers, or masters or subordinates. These entities include the SCO, which is expanding its ties with the EAEU. The Eurasian Economic Union is harmonising its integration plans closely with China’s Belt and Road Initiative. BRICS has gained even more strength after the Kazan Summit.”
“The Russia-China tandem can move these processes forward with the support of other participants. The international importance of our cooperation, partnership, and future plans is immense. I’m confident these plans will be realised. We do not seek to oppose anyone. The only thing we want is to see all countries on our planet, including the US-led collective West, interact based on respect for the interests of all their partners. This position is shared by Moscow and Beijing.”
ON RUSSIA-ARMENIA TIES:
“Russians and Armenians are friendly and fraternal peoples, and mutual relations will ultimately be grounded in friendship. Regarding current official relations, they are not without difficulties. Our dialogue continues, though. Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan has been invited to visit the Russian Federation and has accepted the invitation. We look forward to having him here soon.”
ON THE US AND UKRAINE:
“As soon as Donald Trump assumes the presidency and articulates his final stance on Ukrainian matters, we will examine it. We await specific initiatives; yet, no proposals have emerged thus far.”
