Lavrov calls on Council of Europe for Impartial Approach to Ukraine Crisis

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called on Secretary General of the Council of Europe, ThorbjørnJagland, for an impartial approach to the Ukrainian situation, the Russian Ministry announced following a telephone conversation, initiated by Jagland, between the politicians, Voice of Russia reported.

“The situation in Ukraine was a central topic of the negotiations between the two officials,” the Ministry said. Sergei Lavrov expressed his concern about the unrest in Ukraine caused by the actions of far-right protofascist political organizations undermining the peace deal signed on February 21, and threatening peace, stability of the society and people’s safety.”

“Both sides agreed that the decisions made by the VerkhovnaRada should conform to Ukrain’s obligations as a member of the Council of Europe and the European Convention on Human Rights,” the Foreign Ministry said.

“The Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, called on ThorbjørnJagland, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, to show an impartial approach to the Ukrainian situation. He also pointed out that some decisions by the VerkhovnaRada contradict the standards of the CE as they infringe upon the language rights of Russians and other nationalities, living in Ukraine,” the Foreign Ministry added.

Lavrov:Russia not to interfere in Ukrainian affairs and expects Western countries to do the same

Western partners should not interfere in Ukrainian internal affairs but use their contacts with various political forces in that country for peacemaking, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said, the Voice of Russia correspondent KiraKalinina reports. “A mutual profound concern has been expressed regarding the fact that processes are not always constructive,” Lavrov said after negotiations with his Luxembourg counterpart Jean Asselborn.

 “We reaffirmed our principled position of non-interference in Ukrainian internal affairs and we expect everyone to abide by similar logic and use contacts with various political forces in Ukraine for the promotion of peace,” he continued.

One should not try “to gain some time serving unilateral advantages at a stage when national dialogue and the return of the entire situation to a legal field are required,” the Russian Foreign Minister said.

R.S