COMMENT BY THE OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MINISTRY OF
FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF RUSSIA, ALEXANDER LUKASHEVICH,
REGARDING THE STATEMENTS BY
THE UNITED STATES OFFICIALS ABOUT SANCTIONS AGAINST RUSSIA
4 March 2013
450-04-03-2014
The
threats to “punish” Russia for its principled
line with regard to the settlement of the crisis situation in Ukraine, which we
have been hearing from Washington lately, aggrieve us, not only because of the
lack of elementary knowledge of history in those who are so fond of discussing
this topic.
The bad thing is that the US
politicians and statesmen seem to lose any sense of adequate perception of the
real state of affairs in the swiftly changing multipolar world of the
XXI century.
Every time they see something, which does not fit into hoary American schemes, there are those who are eager
to grasp at a “sanctions club”.
This has become a kind of reflex.
They threaten us with “serious
consequences”, announcethat they will freeze cooperation in military
issues, stop the dialogue about the formation of a new framework of trade and
investment ties, and cancel contacts at different levels.
They promise us new measures, despite the fact that the harm
will inevitably affect both sides.
Emotions
and vexation because of their inability to impose their will,
and subdue others with their own opinions about the “right”
and the “wrong” side of history, prevail over common sense and logic.
We have explained to the Americans many times (using facts
and legal considerations), why their unilateral sanction measures do not fit
standards of civilised interstate relations.
There is no effect.
So we have to respond,
however, this should not definitely be a mirror effect.
As we always do in such situations, which were provoked by
Washington’s ill-judged and irresponsible actions, we emphasise:
this has not been our choice.