By increasing sanctions pressure on Russia the United States pushes Moscow-Washington relations into the stalemate, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the Rossiya 1 broadcaster.
MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 01st September, 2018) By increasing sanctions pressure on Russia the United States pushes Moscow-Washington relations into the stalemate, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the Rossiya 1 broadcaster.
"We have many times pointed out that the permanent boost of the sanctions pressure without providing any evidence to explain such restrictions is counterproductive and pushes our relations into the stalemate," Lavrov said.
At the same time, the foreign minister pointed out that each stalemate may be overcome.
"When our partners are ready to hold talks based on mutual respect and taking into account mutual interests, we are always open for such a dialogue," Lavrov noted.
On August 8, the US administration announced new sanctions against Russia, consisting of two packages, due to its alleged use of chemical weapons against Russian former intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the UK city of Salisbury in March. Washington said that it would impose sanctions on Russia in line with the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act of 1991.
The first round of sanctions under the legislation came into effect on Monday. The more sweeping restrictions are, however, expected to be rolled out in November.
Russia has repeatedly denied involvement in the Skripals case, stressing that London has neither provided evidence nor cooperated with Moscow in investigating the incident.
