“We are aware that reached a critical point in the issue of European security,” – said on Thursday in Basel, opening a two-day Council of Foreign Ministers of OSCE member – acting chairman of the organization, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland Didier Burkhalter. In response, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov explained to all participants of the forum as from the critical point to make an exclamation point.
The development of events in Ukraine, said the Russian Minister, the OSCE provides a unique opportunity to take a broader initiative to develop positive agenda. As countries – members of the OSCE “missed” the crisis in Ukraine? In Lavrov has an explanation: “What is happening in Ukraine, was the result of a systemic crisis in the OSCE region, which has been brewing for a long time. Its roots – in failing to provide true unity Euro-Atlantic area on the basis of recognition of equal rights of all States parties respect the legitimate interests of each of them, the non-interference in internal affairs. The construction of the very “common European home” consistently undermined by unilateral action: NATO enlargement, the creation of a US missile defense in Europe, the aggressive promotion of the concept of “Eastern Partnership” in case of failure even to recognize the Eurasian integration, the construction of artificial ba rriers to contacts between people. also pernicious attempts to prove that only NATO and the EU have a monopoly on truth and that only in their ranks, you can find security and prosperity. If you follow this logic, it is necessary to close the OSCE. Russia disagrees “.
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In Russia for the OSCE have specific proposals:” To be effective, the OSCE should become a full-fledged international organization with clear rules, stimulating collective action through consensus building, – Lavrov said. – It is important to rely on an objective and professional analysis of the challenges facing us. Welcome the proposal of the Swiss Chairmanship to create a “group of wise men” to make recommendations on the responses to the challenges of security in all its dimensions “.
In Basel Lavrov arrived late on Wednesday evening and immediately went to the meeting with his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The fact that the conversation was very important for Berlin, says at least the fact that the Germans were specifically asked Russians to minimize the number of participants in the talks. Steinmeier was the first but not the last minister, who in Basel eager to talk personally with Lavrov. Western media previously predicted that the ground on the Swiss members of the OSCE because of the crisis in Ukraine will arrange Russian diplomat number one “Basel isolation.” In fact, everything was exactly the opposite. Only on Thursday at Lavrov took more than ten bilateral meetings.
“In the fields of” Council separately Sergei Lavrov spoke with US Secretary of State John Kerry. Before this meeting, speaking at the Council of Foreign Ministers, Kerry said: “We have no intention to isolate Russia confrontation … no one is going to benefit.” Kerry could not help but be aware that a couple of hours before his speech in Basel in Washington, US President Barack Obama made a public commitment to continue to put pressure on Russia to change the course of Moscow. So who to believe: Kerry friendly or aggressive Obama?
In a meeting room, where the Secretary of State was waiting for the Russian minister, Kerry entered smiling broadly. He even slightly hugged one of the shelters in the corner of Russian journalists, uttering: “How are you?” But after a few seconds the smile vanished from his face.
Lavrov and Kerry shook hands and asked the media to leave. “Mr. Lavrov, as you interpret the statement of the Secretary of State of the presence of Russian troops in Ukraine?” – Suddenly shouted one of the American journalists. “You’re a member of the US delegation?” – Lavrov said in response. “No, I am a journalist,” – he replied. “But now is not a press conference, and negotiations”, – said the Russian minister. “This is your answer?” – Continued to violate the protocol journalist. “Yes” – Lavrov said and turned to Kerry: “What kind of Russian troops in Ukraine, you say?”. Secretary of State in response to “mumbled” something incoherent. “Well, if Ukraine have Russian troops, why CNN and other American channels they do not show?” – Lavrov went on the offensive. “I do not know,” – forced a Kerry, bec oming black clouds. It was the last sentence that the correspondent “RG” managed to hear. Diplomatic duel continued behind closed doors.
However, the main battle in Basel, obviously, will be carried out almost to the closing of the COM. That is, until Friday evening. US urges Ukraine to take statements, in which once again all sins try to blame Russia. Moscow considers its priority the draft declaration on the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, the revival of neo-Nazism in condemning the whole of Europe and Ukraine in particular.
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In Basel for a meeting with Sergey Lavrov, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini came alone. “And where is your delegation?” – Asked Lavrov. “And they remained standing in the hallway. I have some women in the delegation. They are shy. I’ll call them,” – said, embarrassed, Mogerini.
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