EMBASSY INFORMS
Ambassador Andrei Kelin gave an interview to Andrew Marr on his BBC programme The Andrew Marr Show. The Government of the Russian Federation has decided to extend the suspension of flights from the UK to Russia until 23 h 59 min of 1 June 2021. We consider the FCDO statement of 15 April on “malign activity by Russian intelligence services in cyberspace” as nothing but an attempt to play along with the US, which as usually try to put a blame on Russia while obviously failing to ensure their own cyber security. Dear friends! 60 years ago Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human to fly into space. We are rightfully proud of the fact that this scientific and technological breakthrough has been accomplished by our country. Yuri Gagarin made an invaluable contribution to the development of space exploration as well as international humanitarian cooperation. The spaceflight turned him into a true hero not only at home but also around the world. This is why the UN announced 12 April to be the International Day of Human Spaceflight. The Russian Ambassador to the UK Andrei Kelin welcomed British writer Stephen Walker who presented his new book 'Beyond', dedicated to the first human spaceflight by Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin on 12 April 1961. Video address by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's flight into space Question: With India and Russia set to resume high-level engagements after the Covid-19 crisis, what will be priorities for bilateral agenda in 2021?
Sergey Lavrov: Russia is satisfied with the vigorous political dialogue with India on all levels that keeps on actively developing despite serious restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. In 2020 we managed to successfully organize several events in face-to-face and online formats. Summits of the SCO and BRICS – a new type of multilateral associations where our countries cooperate fruitfully – are among them. Vyacheslav Nikonov: The word “war” has been heard increasingly more often lately. US and NATO politicians, even more so the Ukrainian military, have no trouble saying it. Do you have more reasons to be concerned now than ever before?
Sergey Lavrov: Yes and no. On the one hand, the confrontation has hit bottom. On the other, deep down, there’s still hope that we are adults and understand the risks associated with escalating tensions further. However, our Western colleagues introduced the word “war” into the diplomatic and international usage. “The hybrid war unleashed by Russia” is a very popular description of what the West perceives as the main event in international life. I still believe that good judgment will prevail. Question: Newly appointed to lead the inquest into the death of Dawn Sturgess, Baroness Hallet has announced her plans to examine the Russian state’s involvement in poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal in Salisbury as part of the inquest. Any comments?
Answer: We see it as a confirmation of our earlier conclusion that the situation with regard to these tragic events would evolve according to the Litvinenko Case scenario. Regular investigation and regular use of existing international legal instruments (since there have been Russian nationals affected) is being substituted with a quasi-judicial procedure. It does not formally pertain to the incident in Salisbury as such, yet would undoubtedly be used to support again and again the groundless accusations against Russia made by the British authorities. Ambassador Andrei Kelin gave an interview to RT, speaking on the current state of Russia-UK relations and their prospects.
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