SPEECHES, INTERVIEWS, ARTICLES
23.07.2021
Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on recent statements by MI5 Director General Ken McCallumWe have noted statements by MI5 Director General Ken McCallum, which have been taken up by the British media, referring to security threats facing the United Kingdom, allegedly emanating from the actions of hostile states, namely, cyber-attacks, misinformation, etc. Director General Ken McCallum also lists Russia among such hostile states. At the same time, all of his assertions are in the well-known “highly likely” style. He provides no evidence or specific facts and merely speaks about certain hybrid threats. There is no specific example to confirm all this; however, this creates a narrative that is detrimental for and has a destructive effect on interstate dialogue and the normal development of bilateral ties.
We have repeatedly said that it is pointless to comment on such assertions. We consider it important to conduct a responsible conversation and to use concrete facts. If the British side has any specific data, rather than empty talk, that it can present to media outlets and social media networks, then it is free to do so. Please send it via the relevant channels.
I would like to recall that the Russian side has repeatedly suggested at various levels that Moscow and London hold bilateral interdepartmental consultations on international information security. For example, the relevant proposal was voiced during talks between Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and the then Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson in Moscow in December 2017.
We have emphasised for many years that Moscow is invariably guided by the principle of non-interference in the domestic affairs of other countries. Nor do we harbour any unfriendly intentions with regard to the UK.
At the same time, we have repeatedly warned London that the anti-Russia hysteria that has been launched in the UK will eventually have a backlash against its masterminds. In this connection, we would once again like to note that there is no future in elevating Russophobia to the rank of state policy. Moreover, it is important to conduct dialogue based on mutual respect and consideration for each other’s interests.
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