The Russian diplomat reiterated that Moscow
is guided by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
DVORIKI
VILLAGE /Vladimir region/, August 11. /TASS/. Moscow will not allow
Washington’s meddling in the elections held in Russia, Russian Foreign Minister
Sergey Lavrov said at a meeting with the participants in the Russian
Educational Youth Forum dubbed Terra Scientia on the Klyazma on Friday.
On
September 10, Russia will hold a single voting day, with a total of 5,800
regional and municipal elections taking place across the country. The Russian
presidential election will be held six months later.
"I am unaware of the US Embassy’s plans, but there were many incidents when American diplomats were involved in illegal activities. Our relevant services should take appropriate measures," Lavrov said.
According
to Russia’s top diplomat, many Russian citizens are working at the US Embassy.
In accordance with the Vienna Convention, the US Embassy staff hired in Russia
can only perform technical work (working as drivers, typists or stenographers)
and cannot be involved in "diplomatic activities, including the political
aspects."
"However,
it was not uncommon for US Embassy’s hired staff members to travel to various
regions, conduct opinion polls asking people what they thought about a governor
and the federal center. In such situations, we politely ask our American
counterparts to terminate these people’s contracts," Lavrov stressed.
"I
believe this is in line with the American traditions. They probably do not
consider this to be meddling, because they are allowed to do anything, and
that’s in their blood. I hope that after all these unsubstantiated accusations
against us ]regarding the alleged meddling in the US presidential election -
TASS], because they failed to provide hard facts within 10 months, the
acuteness of the issue for the American establishment will make them think
twice," the Russian foreign minister said.
"However,
if this happens, we have our own laws, the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic
Relations, which says explicitly and specifically what diplomats can do and
what they cannot do," Lavrov noted. "We will be guided by it and by
our laws."
Source: ITAR-TASS 12-08-2017
