Russia's foreign policy has always been based on support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Middle Eastern States and the unacceptability of gross interference in their internal affairs, Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov told To Vima (Greek daily newspaper).
"The Middle East and North Africa continue to be disturbed by acute conflicts and dangerous contradictions, largely provoked by the actions of external players. I will not mention the events of the Arab spring, the dismantling of the Libyan state, or attempts to conduct geopolitical experiments in other states, including Syria. Russia firmly believed in the inadmissibility of such actions that run counter to the norms and principles of international law," the Russian diplomat said.
Bogdanov recalled that last year, against the backdrop of a serious aggravation of the situation in the Middle East, Russia presented the Concept of ensuring collective security in the region.
The Russian initiative involves a systematic approach to unblocking conflict situations, developing confidence-building and control measures, and, ultimately, forming an integral mechanism for collective security and cooperation.
"Our ideas are based on the principle of equal interaction between all regional and other interested parties, and strict compliance with international law. This is the fundamental difference between the Russian document and other initiatives put forward by external players, " the Deputy Foreign Minister said.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Alexander Shcherbak / TASS