Pushkov called Kerry’s visit the US retreat from the policy of confrontation – RIA Novosti

MOSCOW, March 25 – RIA Novosti The head of the Duma Committee on International Affairs Alexei Pushkov, a cautious optimistic about US Secretary of the outcome of negotiations by John Kerry and Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow. qualitative changes in United States policy towards Russia has not happened, but there is a “blueprint for a possible reduction of tension”.

Kerry on Wednesday arrived in the Russian capital with a two-day visit. This is the third year for the visit of the American Foreign Ministry in Russia. On Thursday, Secretary of State held a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov later in the day held talks in the Kremlin with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Lavrov and Kerry, which lasted four hours. According to their results, Russian Foreign Minister and US Secretary of State gave a joint press conference and made a statement on bilateral relations and the Syrian settlement.

“I would have reacted to the outcome of these negotiations with a very cautious optimism, keeping in mind that while the qualitative changes, changes in the Obama administration’s policy toward Russia is not happening,” – said the Pushkov.

According to him , past negotiations – this is the first, but by no means a decisive step towards ensuring that from a broad confrontation to a more limited opposition from the United States.

“This is not a qualitative change in the situation, this is the first outline of a possible reduction of tension, but this question is at the center of discussions in Washington and Line Kerry -. It is not the only line in the Obama administration, there are other lines, aimed at the complete and all-out confrontation , “- said the parliamentarian

According to him, the relations of Russia and the United States are at a very controversial step.. “If Kerry stresses the need for cooperation and the importance of this kind of exchange of views, the US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter said that Russia is a major threat and a major US concern That is, in the United States itself is a confrontation about the relations with Russia.”, – He stressed Pushkov

“I would say that the negotiations in Moscow – this is a departure from the policy of the confrontation, which the US carried out in relation to Russia, but this is not the termination of the policy of confrontation.”, – he added.

The MP pointed out that the US is not abandoning sanctions against Russia. “And in terms of sanctions is extremely difficult to talk about restoring confidence and the transition to a constructive partnership”, – the head of the Duma committee said

In addition, the United States have an impact on its allies, primarily the European Union, to have it. also adhered to uniform sanctions policy toward Russia and a common policy within the framework of the North Atlantic alliance, Pushkov said.