🎙 Excerpt from MFA Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's briefing (March 20, 2024)
🗓 On March 12-14, the British media published a series of articles on the fate of half a million Indians who were taken to Caribbean countries to replace African slaves.
Formally, "coolies" were hired workers, but in reality, they were deceived into servitude. They found themselves in unbearable labour conditions and <...> they were little different from slaves. In 90 percent of cases, despite agreements, the coolies were never paid for their work and could not return home after their “contracts” ended.
<...>
🇬🇾 The most recent campaign was initiated by Guyana, where 40 percent of the population descend from the people who were trafficked from India since 1838 and from China since 1853. In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, President of Guyana Irfaan Ali spoke about the atrocities committed by British exploiters and called for admitting historical mistakes.
The media report that Guyana initiated establishing a special commission to study the damage caused by the exploiters and estimate its financial equivalent. They expect to develop a compensation scheme.
❗️ London typically rejects the idea of paying compensation to victims of colonialism.
<...>
The British government has also rejected the idea of paying compensation to the victims of colonialism. In 2015, then UK Prime Minister David Cameron, who has quite a few slave owners among his ancestors, spoke about this. The current chief of the British cabinet of ministers, Rishi Sunak, simply refused to apologise for London’s role in slave trade.
☝️ London has repeatedly ignored the inconvenient legacy of its colonial past. We call on British officials to stop enshrouding their past crimes with high-flown rhetoric. England’s ruling class must take practical steps to pay compensation to the descendants of slave trade victims, and finally apologise to other peoples for their brutal treatment. It will not be an easy path, but London has to do it.
Read in full
🗓 On March 12-14, the British media published a series of articles on the fate of half a million Indians who were taken to Caribbean countries to replace African slaves.
Formally, "coolies" were hired workers, but in reality, they were deceived into servitude. They found themselves in unbearable labour conditions and <...> they were little different from slaves. In 90 percent of cases, despite agreements, the coolies were never paid for their work and could not return home after their “contracts” ended.
<...>
🇬🇾 The most recent campaign was initiated by Guyana, where 40 percent of the population descend from the people who were trafficked from India since 1838 and from China since 1853. In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, President of Guyana Irfaan Ali spoke about the atrocities committed by British exploiters and called for admitting historical mistakes.
The media report that Guyana initiated establishing a special commission to study the damage caused by the exploiters and estimate its financial equivalent. They expect to develop a compensation scheme.
❗️ London typically rejects the idea of paying compensation to victims of colonialism.
<...>
The British government has also rejected the idea of paying compensation to the victims of colonialism. In 2015, then UK Prime Minister David Cameron, who has quite a few slave owners among his ancestors, spoke about this. The current chief of the British cabinet of ministers, Rishi Sunak, simply refused to apologise for London’s role in slave trade.
☝️ London has repeatedly ignored the inconvenient legacy of its colonial past. We call on British officials to stop enshrouding their past crimes with high-flown rhetoric. England’s ruling class must take practical steps to pay compensation to the descendants of slave trade victims, and finally apologise to other peoples for their brutal treatment. It will not be an easy path, but London has to do it.
Read in full
🇷🇺🇹🇯📞 President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon called President Vladimir Putin by phone to express deep condolences and solidarity with the Russian people over the death of innocent civilians in the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall. The President of Tajikistan emphasised that there was no nor could not be any justification for that crime.
During the conversation, Vladimir Putin and Emomali Rahmon noted that the security services of Russia and Tajikistan were working closely together to counter terrorism and that they would build up their cooperation.
#RussiaTajikistan
During the conversation, Vladimir Putin and Emomali Rahmon noted that the security services of Russia and Tajikistan were working closely together to counter terrorism and that they would build up their cooperation.
#RussiaTajikistan
Forwarded from Russian Delegation to UNESCO
MINUTE OF SILENCE WAS DECLARED AT UNESCO EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING ON 25 MARCH TO HONOR THE MEMORY OF VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN "CROCUS CITY HALL"
💬 Representative of the Russian delegation:
📍In accordance with up to date information more than 130 people have been killed and about 180 injured as result of the bloody, barbaric terrorist attack on March 22.
📍Yesterday a day of nationwide mourning was declared in Russia: flags were lowered, cultural and entertainment events cancelled. Books of condolences are opened in Russian representations abroad.
📍MFA🇷🇺 received numerous calls from heads of states. Russian Delegation to UNESCO received condolences from many delegations. We are grateful to our foreign colleagues for their sincere words of solidarity.
📍Four perpetrators of terrorist attack have already been detained. All perpetrators, organizers & accomplices of this crime will suffer inevitable punishment.
📍Terrorism will not pass. Russia will continue to fight this global evil.
💬 Representative of the Russian delegation:
📍In accordance with up to date information more than 130 people have been killed and about 180 injured as result of the bloody, barbaric terrorist attack on March 22.
📍Yesterday a day of nationwide mourning was declared in Russia: flags were lowered, cultural and entertainment events cancelled. Books of condolences are opened in Russian representations abroad.
📍MFA🇷🇺 received numerous calls from heads of states. Russian Delegation to UNESCO received condolences from many delegations. We are grateful to our foreign colleagues for their sincere words of solidarity.
📍Four perpetrators of terrorist attack have already been detained. All perpetrators, organizers & accomplices of this crime will suffer inevitable punishment.
📍Terrorism will not pass. Russia will continue to fight this global evil.
Forwarded from Russian Embassy to the UK
On 25 March Director General of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Mr. Jonathan Allen CMG visited the Russian Embassy in London to leave an entry in the Book of Condolences over the tragic loss of life in the barbaric terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall near Moscow.
#CrocusCityHall
#CrocusCityHall
#Announcement
🎙 Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova will hold a briefing on current foreign policy issues at approximately 15:00 MSK (12:00 pm GMT) on March 27.
Accreditation is open until 11 am on March 26.
🎙 Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova will hold a briefing on current foreign policy issues at approximately 15:00 MSK (12:00 pm GMT) on March 27.
Accreditation is open until 11 am on March 26.
🇷🇺 President Vladimir Putin sent his greetings to the participants, organisers and guests of the 13th ATOMEXPO-2024 International Forum.
💬 Vladimir Putin: Bringing together representatives of leading energy companies, research centres, expert circles, relevant ministries and agencies from many countries, your forum provides participants with an excellent opportunity to discuss current professional issues, exchange best practices and experience, and establish promising business contacts.
I would like to emphasise that the development of national economies and the social sphere, the preservation of nature’s and climate balance of our planet today directly depend on ensuring access to stable, environmentally friendly and safe energy sources. Nuclear power generation plays a special and important role among them.
In this connection, I want to note that Russia is an acknowledged leader in the construction and operation of nuclear power plant infrastructure as well as in fundamental and applied research. And of course, domestic nuclear technologies effectively serve science, industry and medicine, facilitating the implementation of large-scale space programmes, and making a truly unique contribution to the development of the Arctic.
I am confident that the forum will be held in a constructive manner and will contribute to the development of consolidated approaches to the use of peaceful nuclear energy and the launch of joint projects in this extremely important area.
Read in full
💬 Vladimir Putin: Bringing together representatives of leading energy companies, research centres, expert circles, relevant ministries and agencies from many countries, your forum provides participants with an excellent opportunity to discuss current professional issues, exchange best practices and experience, and establish promising business contacts.
I would like to emphasise that the development of national economies and the social sphere, the preservation of nature’s and climate balance of our planet today directly depend on ensuring access to stable, environmentally friendly and safe energy sources. Nuclear power generation plays a special and important role among them.
In this connection, I want to note that Russia is an acknowledged leader in the construction and operation of nuclear power plant infrastructure as well as in fundamental and applied research. And of course, domestic nuclear technologies effectively serve science, industry and medicine, facilitating the implementation of large-scale space programmes, and making a truly unique contribution to the development of the Arctic.
I am confident that the forum will be held in a constructive manner and will contribute to the development of consolidated approaches to the use of peaceful nuclear energy and the launch of joint projects in this extremely important area.
Read in full
🇷🇺🇦🇿📞 On March 24, Russia's President Vladimir Putin and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev spoke over the phone.
During the conversation, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev strongly condemned the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall, which claimed the lives of over 100 innocent civilians, expressed deep condolences to their families and friends, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
Ilham Aliyev stressed that the people of Azerbaijan stand together with the Russian people on this day of national mourning and expressed confidence that the severe punishment of the criminals and those who masterminded that crime was unavoidable.
Vladimir Putin thanked the President of Azerbaijan for his words of support and expressed readiness to further strengthen practical interaction in the spirit of strategic partnership and alliance between Russia and Azerbaijan.
#RussiaAzerbaijan
During the conversation, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev strongly condemned the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall, which claimed the lives of over 100 innocent civilians, expressed deep condolences to their families and friends, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
Ilham Aliyev stressed that the people of Azerbaijan stand together with the Russian people on this day of national mourning and expressed confidence that the severe punishment of the criminals and those who masterminded that crime was unavoidable.
Vladimir Putin thanked the President of Azerbaijan for his words of support and expressed readiness to further strengthen practical interaction in the spirit of strategic partnership and alliance between Russia and Azerbaijan.
#RussiaAzerbaijan
🇷🇺🇰🇬📞 On March 25, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke over the phone with Foreign Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Jeenbek Kulubayev at the initiative of the Kyrgyz side.
The Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan offered his deep condolences in connection with the tragedy at the Crocus City Hall that killed over 100 civilians. He asked Sergey Lavrov to convey words of support to the families and friends of the deceased and also wished a speedy recovery to all the wounded.
Sergey Lavrov thanked his counterpart for the words of support.
The officials resolutely condemned all forms and manifestations of terrorism and reaffirmed their readiness to strengthen practical interaction in this sphere still further.
The Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan offered his deep condolences in connection with the tragedy at the Crocus City Hall that killed over 100 civilians. He asked Sergey Lavrov to convey words of support to the families and friends of the deceased and also wished a speedy recovery to all the wounded.
Sergey Lavrov thanked his counterpart for the words of support.
The officials resolutely condemned all forms and manifestations of terrorism and reaffirmed their readiness to strengthen practical interaction in this sphere still further.
📰 Article by Russian MFA Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova for Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper (March 25, 2024)
Biden likes ISIS, not peace
Read in full
💬 The US spin doctors have driven themselves into a trap by claiming that the terrorist attack on the Crocus City Hall in Moscow was perpetrated by ISIS, a terrorist organisation banned in Russia. It is also clear why they are doing this. Obviously, they have no other way out.
This includes billions of dollars and an unprecedented amount of arms invested in the Kiev regime, based on corruption schemes, where no accounts were submitted; the use of aggressive rhetoric towards Russia. <...> Hence Washington’s daily effort to cover up for their charges in Kiev and the attempt to shift the blame away from themselves and the Zelensky regime they have nurtured by using the bogey of ISIS (an organisation banned in Russia).
And that's where they got caught in their own rusty trap.
What is ISIS?
In the past, Washington actively supported, armed and controlled the mujahideen in Afghanistan as part of its drive to oppose the Soviet Union. <...> Al-Qaeda emerged precisely from that Afghan campaign.
<...>
But let us leave Afghanistan for a while and turn to Iraq. <...> In October 2006, the Consultative Meeting of the Mujahideen established a new jihadist group that brought together Al-Masri’s terrorists and other Islamists from the group known as the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI). Appointed as the leader of this new organisation was Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, whom the Americans, for some reason, had released from prison in Iraq not long before. QED!
He established close cooperation with the Islamists in Syria, who were fighting against the legitimate government of Bashar al-Assad. In April 2013, the expanded terrorist organisation was given a new name – the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS).
<...>
So, it turns out that after Al-Qaeda, the Americans willingly or unwillingly had a hand in creating yet another monster, ISIS.
In 2015, in response to a request from the legitimate Government of Syria, Russia sent a unit of its Aerospace Forces to help the Syrian army fight the terrorists. This interfered with ISIS’ plans to impose its control over vast territories in Iraq and Syria.
<...>
President of Russia Vladimir Putin addressed the UN General Assembly session in 2015, suggesting that a united anti-ISIS front, modelled on the anti-Hitler coalition, should be created. The response was the West’s war face, not a delighted acceptance. Far from helping us to fight ISIS, the US was doing whatever it could to interfere with our effort. Interesting, isn’t it?
At the same time, a US-controlled extremist enclave, the so-called Al Tanf refugee camp, continues to exist in southeast Syria. It has become a haven for terrorists, providing them with training before they are sent to perform missions.
The White House clearly follows yet another tactical line in Syria, where ostensibly it has committed itself to sort the “moderate opposition” from the ISIS terrorists in a clear and informal manner. <...> In all evidence, this is how Washington has planned the whole thing: it wants the conflict to drag on, multiplying the number of victims, while preventing that seat of international terrorism from being definitively eliminated.
Oddly enough, ISIS has adjusted its plans in recent years and now attacks mostly enemies of the US, such as the Taliban in Afghanistan, the Iranians, the legitimate authorities in Syria, and Russia.
<...>
❗️ Is there any logic in this, you would ask? It lies in the money and power. Moreover, in a situation where there is an international legal ban on direct interventions, the ulterior motive is to sow “controlled chaos” and rehash the world order with the help of terrorists.
And now, attention, my question to the White House: Was it really ISIS? Changed your mind yet?
Biden likes ISIS, not peace
Read in full
💬 The US spin doctors have driven themselves into a trap by claiming that the terrorist attack on the Crocus City Hall in Moscow was perpetrated by ISIS, a terrorist organisation banned in Russia. It is also clear why they are doing this. Obviously, they have no other way out.
This includes billions of dollars and an unprecedented amount of arms invested in the Kiev regime, based on corruption schemes, where no accounts were submitted; the use of aggressive rhetoric towards Russia. <...> Hence Washington’s daily effort to cover up for their charges in Kiev and the attempt to shift the blame away from themselves and the Zelensky regime they have nurtured by using the bogey of ISIS (an organisation banned in Russia).
And that's where they got caught in their own rusty trap.
What is ISIS?
In the past, Washington actively supported, armed and controlled the mujahideen in Afghanistan as part of its drive to oppose the Soviet Union. <...> Al-Qaeda emerged precisely from that Afghan campaign.
<...>
But let us leave Afghanistan for a while and turn to Iraq. <...> In October 2006, the Consultative Meeting of the Mujahideen established a new jihadist group that brought together Al-Masri’s terrorists and other Islamists from the group known as the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI). Appointed as the leader of this new organisation was Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, whom the Americans, for some reason, had released from prison in Iraq not long before. QED!
He established close cooperation with the Islamists in Syria, who were fighting against the legitimate government of Bashar al-Assad. In April 2013, the expanded terrorist organisation was given a new name – the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS).
<...>
So, it turns out that after Al-Qaeda, the Americans willingly or unwillingly had a hand in creating yet another monster, ISIS.
In 2015, in response to a request from the legitimate Government of Syria, Russia sent a unit of its Aerospace Forces to help the Syrian army fight the terrorists. This interfered with ISIS’ plans to impose its control over vast territories in Iraq and Syria.
<...>
President of Russia Vladimir Putin addressed the UN General Assembly session in 2015, suggesting that a united anti-ISIS front, modelled on the anti-Hitler coalition, should be created. The response was the West’s war face, not a delighted acceptance. Far from helping us to fight ISIS, the US was doing whatever it could to interfere with our effort. Interesting, isn’t it?
At the same time, a US-controlled extremist enclave, the so-called Al Tanf refugee camp, continues to exist in southeast Syria. It has become a haven for terrorists, providing them with training before they are sent to perform missions.
The White House clearly follows yet another tactical line in Syria, where ostensibly it has committed itself to sort the “moderate opposition” from the ISIS terrorists in a clear and informal manner. <...> In all evidence, this is how Washington has planned the whole thing: it wants the conflict to drag on, multiplying the number of victims, while preventing that seat of international terrorism from being definitively eliminated.
Oddly enough, ISIS has adjusted its plans in recent years and now attacks mostly enemies of the US, such as the Taliban in Afghanistan, the Iranians, the legitimate authorities in Syria, and Russia.
<...>
❗️ Is there any logic in this, you would ask? It lies in the money and power. Moreover, in a situation where there is an international legal ban on direct interventions, the ulterior motive is to sow “controlled chaos” and rehash the world order with the help of terrorists.
And now, attention, my question to the White House: Was it really ISIS? Changed your mind yet?
Forwarded from Russian Mission to EU
⚡️Interview by Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Russian Mission to the EU Kirill Logvinov for Rossiya 24 TV channel, 22 March 2024
EUROPEAN COUNCIL OUTCOMES
🔹The main outcome of the EU Summit is that the once peaceful integration association has firmly embarked on the path of militarising its economy. The transition to "war economy" mode is pathetically called "the birth of geopolitical Europe".
🔹For many European countries - for various historical and other reasons - the very idea of a militarised Europe has been taboo for decades. Now, however, everything is being simplified and made to look harmless: they are saying that they should not limit themselves in any way when it comes to helping Ukraine.
RUSSIAN “FROZEN” ASSETS
🔹European capitals suspect that this will turn out badly for them and cost them dearly. And I am nor referring here to the European Union reputation only. The latter is already fading in the eyes of the world, even without Brussels openly showing its thieving appetite.
🔹This revenues talk is yet another indication that the EU is going wild, i.e. switching to self-destructive mode and losing self-control.
🔹The EU logic is simple: since Ukraine may just not survive to see the moment when Russian money can be channelled into its reconstruction, let's hurry up and somehow rob Russia now.
EUROPEAN COUNCIL OUTCOMES
🔹The main outcome of the EU Summit is that the once peaceful integration association has firmly embarked on the path of militarising its economy. The transition to "war economy" mode is pathetically called "the birth of geopolitical Europe".
🔹For many European countries - for various historical and other reasons - the very idea of a militarised Europe has been taboo for decades. Now, however, everything is being simplified and made to look harmless: they are saying that they should not limit themselves in any way when it comes to helping Ukraine.
RUSSIAN “FROZEN” ASSETS
🔹European capitals suspect that this will turn out badly for them and cost them dearly. And I am nor referring here to the European Union reputation only. The latter is already fading in the eyes of the world, even without Brussels openly showing its thieving appetite.
🔹This revenues talk is yet another indication that the EU is going wild, i.e. switching to self-destructive mode and losing self-control.
🔹The EU logic is simple: since Ukraine may just not survive to see the moment when Russian money can be channelled into its reconstruction, let's hurry up and somehow rob Russia now.
Forwarded from Russian Mission to ASEAN
On March 26, ASEAN Foreign Ministers issued a Statement on the Terrorist Attack in Russia. We express our sincere gratitude to ASEAN partners for their support and sympathy. 🙏
🇷🇺🇺🇳 Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the UN:
🎙 Statement Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia at the UN Security Council with regard to the 25th anniversary of NATO aggression against Yugoslavia (March 25, 2024)
💬 On March 24, 1999, a US-led coalition of countries of "defensive alliance" invaded the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on the pretext of stopping the ethnic cleansing allegedly taking place in Kosovo.
<...>
NATO’s aggression against a sovereign country lasted 78 days and resulted in unimaginable suffering, numerous victims and catastrophic devastation for its population.
The aggression against Yugoslavia was a flagrant violation of international law: the fundamental purposes and principles of the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act of the CSCE, and the norms and principles of international humanitarian law.
❗️ Since the beginning of the blood-stained collapse of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, orchestrated and sponsored by the US, Germany and others, and the attack on Yugoslavia, the Alliance has undermined the established security architecture that had ensured peace in Europe for many decades.
The attack on Yugoslavia launched a series of large-scale aggressions by the US and its allies around the world: against Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Syria. Everyone knows what they led to. The anti-constitutional coup in Kiev in 2014 also tracks its roots back there.
☝️ Some Security Council colleagues would probably say that the events of 25 years ago are "history" and have no relevance today. However, it is clear to any reasonable mind that the destruction of a sovereign state led to the chaos that is gaining momentum today, and not only in Kosovo but in the Balkans as a whole.
Read in full
🎙 Statement Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia at the UN Security Council with regard to the 25th anniversary of NATO aggression against Yugoslavia (March 25, 2024)
💬 On March 24, 1999, a US-led coalition of countries of "defensive alliance" invaded the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on the pretext of stopping the ethnic cleansing allegedly taking place in Kosovo.
<...>
NATO’s aggression against a sovereign country lasted 78 days and resulted in unimaginable suffering, numerous victims and catastrophic devastation for its population.
The aggression against Yugoslavia was a flagrant violation of international law: the fundamental purposes and principles of the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act of the CSCE, and the norms and principles of international humanitarian law.
❗️ Since the beginning of the blood-stained collapse of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, orchestrated and sponsored by the US, Germany and others, and the attack on Yugoslavia, the Alliance has undermined the established security architecture that had ensured peace in Europe for many decades.
The attack on Yugoslavia launched a series of large-scale aggressions by the US and its allies around the world: against Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Syria. Everyone knows what they led to. The anti-constitutional coup in Kiev in 2014 also tracks its roots back there.
☝️ Some Security Council colleagues would probably say that the events of 25 years ago are "history" and have no relevance today. However, it is clear to any reasonable mind that the destruction of a sovereign state led to the chaos that is gaining momentum today, and not only in Kosovo but in the Balkans as a whole.
Read in full
🩸 The Russian Foreign Ministry hosts an extraordinary donor event in support of the victims of the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall: Russian diplomats donate blood for those in need. The volunteers include both those who have never participated in such events before and longtime donors.
🔴 #LIVE: Opening remarks by Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during talks with Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of Namibia Peya Mushelenga 🇷🇺🇳🇦
🔴 Russia's MFA Website
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📖 A Book of Condolences has been opened at the Russian Foreign Ministry following the tragic events of March 22 at Crocus City Hall.
The heads of foreign missions and representatives of the diplomatic corps have come to express their heartfelt sympathy and words of support.
The heads of foreign missions and representatives of the diplomatic corps have come to express their heartfelt sympathy and words of support.