Russia has begun “internal procedures” to nominate a brand new ambassador to the U.S., Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov introduced on Tuesday.
In an interview with the Russian state news company RIA, Lavrov acknowledged that whereas the connection between Russia and the U.S. stays in disaster, Washington has not signaled any intention to sever diplomatic ties.
“We recognize that as the largest nuclear powers, our countries bear a special responsibility for global stability, which necessitates diplomatic engagement and the continued operation of our embassies in Moscow and Washington,” Lavrov stated.
Despite the strained relations, Lavrov emphasised that Washington nonetheless seeks to take care of diplomatic channels. “If this approach continues, we will appoint a new Russian ambassador to the U.S. at the appropriate time. The necessary internal procedures have already begun,” he stated.
On Oct. 10, Russian President Vladimir Putin relieved Anatoly Antonov of his position as ambassador to the U.S. with out naming a alternative. Antonov, 69, had been within the place since 2017.
Regarding Russia’s expectations for the upcoming U.S. presidential election, Lavrov remarked that each American events pursue an “anti-Russian and Russophobic course,” with Ukraine taking part in a central position within the “hybrid war” towards Russia, implying that there’s little hope for constructive change.
“We remain open to dialogue, provided that the U.S. demonstrates genuine intent to negotiate with mutual respect and recognition of Russia’s national interests,” Lavrov famous.
Responding to accusations from American political analysts that Russia has interfered in Georgia’s parliamentary elections, the highest diplomat dismissed the claims as “an outright lie.”
“It is common for Americans to attribute to us for actions that they themselves engage in. Washington continues to actively exploit the self-created myth of Russian interference in any election, national or in third countries. If forces objectionable to the US win somewhere, Russia is immediately ‘appointed guilty’ for the ‘wrong’ choice of voters,” he stated.
UKRAINE’S USE OF LONG-RANGE WEAPONS TO IMPLY NATO’S ‘OPEN’ INVOLVEMENT IN A CONFLICT WITH RUSSIA
Regarding reviews that Ukraine could also be licensed to make use of Western-supplied long-range weapons to focus on Russian territory, Lavrov warned that such actions would signify NATO’s “open” involvement within the battle with Russia.
“If these weapons are used, it would indicate that NATO countries are actively at war with Russia, with no pretense about the presence of ‘mercenaries,’ ‘volunteers,’ or advisors operating under ‘false flags.’ This would fundamentally expose the true nature of the conflict,” he stated.
He cautioned that any hostile actions taken by NATO or its member states would immediate Russia to reply proportionately, below the UN Charter’s sovereign proper to self-defense.
“Our opponents should not be mistaken… Neither the Atlantic Ocean nor the English Channel offers a safe distance from repercussions,” he warned.
Turning to Armenia and Azerbaijan, Lavrov famous that the ultimate textual content of the peace treaty has but to be finalized as a result of longstanding hostilities and casualties suffered by each nations make it troublesome for Baku and Yerevan to attain progress in normalization.
“Achieving normalization will require considerable effort and time,” he remarked.
Lavrov additionally commented on the scenario in Moldova‘s breakaway area of Transnistria, describing it as “difficult.”
“This situation is affected by Moldova’s internal politics. I hope the Moldovan authorities will act with restraint to avoid actions that might escalate tensions,” he added.
BRICS EFFORTS TO DE-ESCALATE GAZA SITUATION
When requested about BRICS international locations’ actions to alleviate the Palestinian-Israeli battle and broader Middle East instability, Lavrov remarked that for the reason that disaster started in October of final 12 months, BRICS international locations have stood united in defending the rights of Gaza’s civilian inhabitants.
“On Nov. 21, 2023, an emergency BRICS summit called for an immediate cease-fire and humanitarian aid to the victims. This unified stance was reiterated in the Kazan Summit declaration, which was attended by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas,” the highest Russian diplomat stated.
Following the onset of Israel’s army actions in Gaza, BRICS nations submitted a UN Security Council decision urging a cease-fire and unrestricted humanitarian entry, which the U.S. then blocked.
“The US justified its position by claiming that such a resolution would obstruct its efforts to negotiate a cease-fire and detainee exchange between Israel and Hamas. However, this negotiation process is at an impasse, and Gaza’s situation worsens daily,” he commented.
He noticed that the battle has unfold to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and even Iran. It has additionally induced instability within the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, the place a multinational naval coalition led by the U.S. and UK has launched assaults concentrating on Houthis, who’ve responded to Israel’s army operations in Palestinian territories.
The international minister emphasised that the Gaza disaster has catalyzed these regional developments and that its decision is essential to Middle East stability.
“We will persist in working with our partners toward a just resolution to the Palestinian question on a recognized international legal foundation, leveraging BRICS’ full potential,” he concluded.
Israel has continued a devastating offensive on Gaza for the reason that Oct. 7, 2023 assaults by Hamas, killing practically 43,400 folks and rendering the enclave virtually uninhabitable.
Israel faces a genocide case on the International Court of Justice for its actions within the blockaded enclave.
In latest months, Israel has additionally stepped up its assaults on the Lebanese group Hezbollah, together with bombings and a floor incursion, sparking fears of a broader warfare.
Source: www.anews.com.tr