⚡️ The response of the Ambassador of Russia to Albania Alexey Zaitsev to the accusations of the Russian diplomatic mission in Tirana of allegedly conducting a “disinformation” campaign

📰 I have read with particular interest an article of the Director General of the Albanian Media and Information Agency Mr. Alteo Hysi dedicated to my interview to the information agency Ria-Novosti of 25.09.2024. The whole message of Mr. Hysi is that interview disseminates false information and is a part of Russian “propaganda machinery”.

❌ Since such an approach is fully unjustified, I decided to respond to some allegations concerning:

▪️neocolonial ambitions of the US and the EU in the Balkans
▪️ illegal sanctions of the West and their negative effects for the initiators
▪️ NATO confronting Russia
▪️ the Kiev regime rejecting dialogue and peace, etc.

I hope that Mr.Hysi as a champion of promoting democracy and human rights will assist to publish my response on the same platforms – Shqiptarja.com and Euronews Albania, where he posted his text. ☝️ It would be in conformity with international and European norms of freedom of speech and the fundamental right of every person to have free access to information.

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📰 Article by Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov “On the Circumstances of the Division of Austria and Germany into Occupation Zones,” published in the Bulletin of the Security Council of the Russian Federation (№3 (91), 2024)

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✍️ As the great Russian historian Vasily Klyuchevsky said, “History is not a teacher but an overseer. It does not teach anyone; it merely punishes those who haven’t learnt their lessons.”

Therefore, it seems appropriate to review some chapters of our history ahead of the 80th Anniversary of the Great Victory, particularly in the context of the current international and foreign policy realities. 👇

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The Westerners (Anglo-Saxons) refused to recognise the Soviet Union as an equal party to the post-war settlement until 1943. However, the Allies’ interest in the future of Germany after its defeat in the war grew with every change on the Soviet-German front. <...>

The Soviet Union improved its military standing further after defeating the Nazi troops in the Battle of Kursk. This led to a growing awareness in London and Washington that ignoring Soviet interests when making decisions that affected all Allies could be dangerous.

During the Tehran Conference on December 1, 1943, Stalin explained that “the Ukrainian territories should be assigned to Ukraine, and the Byelorussian territories to Byelorussia.” Likewise, the Soviet Union considered that it would be correct for Poland to regain control of its ancestral territories in the west. UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill proposed that “the home of the Polish state and nation should be between the so-called Curzon Line and the line of the Oder, including for Poland East Prussia and Oppeln.” <...>

In 1944, the Red Army won a number of major victories over Germany and the Axis powers. The westward movement of the frontline and the growing might of the Soviet Union showed that the Red Army could potentially defeat Nazi Germany without the Allies’ assistance. This led to a major change in their views on the future of Germany between the Tehran and Yalta conferences. The West began to act not only to defeat Germany but also to contain the Soviet Union.

The West began to act not only to defeat Germany but also to contain the Soviet Union. <...>

When the Yalta Conference was held in Crimea on February 4−11, 1945, the Red Army was barely 60 kilometres from Berlin. The Anglo-Saxon circles started thinking about forming a bloc of West European states after the war, with Germany as one of its members. This rendered the Anglo-Saxon plans for Germany’s de-industrialisation and division irrelevant. <...>

On February 5, 1945, Stalin openly asked the Allies in Yalta if they supported the disintegration of Germany following its defeat. He reminded them that the US and British governments had voiced such plans twice, in Tehran in 1943 and during the Soviet-British talks in Moscow in October 1944. The US and British leaders reaffirmed their principled stance on Germany’s disintegration. As a result, the Soviet Union supported the Allies’ idea of adding the following phrase to Article 12 of the declaration regarding the defeat of Germany: “The… Allied Governments will take such steps, including the complete disarmament, demilitarisation and dismemberment of Germany, as they deem requisite for future peace and security.”

The Berlin (Potsdam) Conference (July 17 — August 2, 1945) became the last stage in the joint effort by the heads of the anti-Hitler coalition. <...> The Potsdam Conference’s biggest achievements centred on its resolutions on the German issue. In fact, they recognised the German state within its new borders as a single economic and political entity, despite serious disagreements on matters dealing with the restoration of a centralised governance framework.

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The post-war settlement in Europe, with the resolution of the German and Austrian issues as its important, if not crucial, part, was an example of the successful harmonisation of state interests based on mutual respect and goodwill.

🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at the opening ceremony of an exhibition marking the 75th Anniversary of diplomatic relations with China (Moscow, October 3, 2024)

💬 It is a great honour and privilege for us to welcome you to the exhibition marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Russia and China. <...>

This exhibition presents unique documents and photo images highlighting the key reference points in our relations.

🇷🇺🇨🇳 Our two countries established diplomatic relations on October 2, 1949, the day after the People’s Republic of China appeared on the world’s political map. Taking this opportunity, I would like to once again extend my congratulations to His Excellency Ambassador Zhang Hanhui and all our Chinese friends on the PRC’s 75th Anniversary.

Moscow was the first capital to recognise the newly established China. Our country became a reliable friend to Beijing and assisted it in the early days of its state-building efforts.

<...>

Meaningful and trust-based dialogue at the highest level plays a key role in strengthening our cooperation in various domains. <...>

Overall, consistent years-long joint efforts under the guidance of our leaders have elevated our relations to unprecedented heights.

It is highly satisfying for me that in the current geopolitical environment, the comprehensive strategic partnership and strategic cooperation between Russia and China have demonstrated their solid and mature nature and continue to facilitate our countries’ development in all its aspects and improve the wellbeing of our peoples. <...>

Moscow and Beijing have been working in tandem to ensure global stability and build a multipolar world order with greater justice for all.

🤝 It is clear that we can resolve any matters and overcome any challenges in the spirit of eternal friendship, neighbourly relations, mutual respect and mutual benefit.

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#RussiaChina

🛰 On October 4, 1957, a small metallic sphere with four rod antennas burst into Earth's orbit... BEEP... BEEP... BEEP!

The entire world witnessed a historic event — the launch of Earth's first artificial satellite.

Sputnik-1 was in essence an aluminium spherical device, 58 centimetres in diameter and 83.6 kg light. Its body was sealed and protected the internal equipment from external factors. Inside, there were two radio transmitters operating on frequencies of 20.005 and 40.002 MHz, which sent out the iconic "beep-beep" signals, heard and recorded by amateur radio operators around the world. The four external antennas, ranging from 2.4 to 2.9 metres in length, ensured stable signal transmission. The satellite had no propulsion system and orbited the Earth solely due to the impulse given at launch.

🚀 A two-stage R-7 launch vehicle, developed by a team of Soviet engineers under the leadership of Sergey Korolev, was used to place Sputnik-1 into orbit.

🌐 The launch of Sputnik-1 was not only a great technological achievement, but also a symbol of the dawn of a new era — the Age of Space.

Ever since, dozens of nations have launched their own satellites — thousands are orbiting the planet this very moment.

💫 We are proud to say that ours — Sputnik-1 — was the very first!

🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks at the sixth meeting of the Moscow Format of Consultations on Afghanistan (Moscow, October 4, 2024)

💬 I am delighted to welcome you to the capital of Russia for the sixth meeting of the Moscow Format of Consultations on Afghanistan. I am especially pleased to welcome Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, who is attending this event as the guest of honour.

The importance of the Moscow dialogue platform continues to grow. <...> This format is based on the principle of equality and consensus and is therefore conducive to the practical coordination of the approaches of Afghanistan’s neighbours and other regional countries concerned in developing relations with Kabul <...>

☝️ Washington and its allies are hindering the revival of the Afghan state. The United States disregards international criticism of its actions and continues to illegally hold Afghanistan’s national assets while maintaining strict sanctions against its banking sector. We again urge Western countries to accept responsibility for the post-conflict reconstruction of Afghanistan, lift their restrictions and release Kabul’s assets.

In the context of discussions underway in the West, we would like to once again emphasise the unacceptability of returning the military infrastructure of third countries to Afghanistan or deploying military facilities in neighbouring countries under any pretext. History shows that projecting external force in that region can only compound the region’s problems.

<...>

In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm our commitment to assisting the settlement of Afghanistan’s still numerous problems by developing the Moscow format and the mechanism for meetings of neighbouring countries. We are confident that it is the regional platforms that can attain the best results possible by combining their efforts.

⚠️ In this connection, we call for caution regarding the United States and its allies’ efforts to force their way into the settlement process with the aim of assuming control, in particular, by using the UN’s prestige for their reprehensible purposes. I wish all of you success.

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🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during talks with Foreign Minister of the Republic of South Ossetia Akhsar Dzhioev (Moscow, October 4, 2024)

💬 I would like to strongly reaffirm the importance of ties with the Republic of South Ossetia, our close friend and ally – this is a time-tested strategic partnership we are consistently pursuing in full compliance with the 2015 Treaty on Alliance and Integration. We are building a common defence space. Our economic, social and humanitarian cooperation is deepening as well.

🤝 We appreciate the support that the Republic of South Ossetia provides to us using its capabilities for promoting a fairer international order based on the recognition of the sovereign equality of all states, large and small.

Once again, I would like to express our gratitude for your principled stance regarding the special military operation that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation are carrying out in response to NATO’s attempts to turn Ukraine into a source of threats to Russia’s security and a tool for the extermination of all things Russian, even though the Russian language and culture have been an integral part of the history of Donbass, Novorossiya and Crimea for centuries. We know that you are providing assistance to our fighters and the residents of the conflict-affected regions. I know that President of South Ossetia Alan Gagloyev keeps humanitarian assistance to the victims under his personal review. <...>

We will continue to assist our friends in ensuring security, achieving economic growth, social and cultural progress, and in strengthening the South Ossetian state in other ways, as stipulated by bilateral agreements. We can only move forward from here.

❗️ The decisions made in 2008 are not subject to revision.

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#RussiaSouthOssetia

🗓 On October 4, Moscow hosted the 6th meeting of the Moscow Format of Consultations on Afghanistan with the participation of special representatives and senior officials from Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Amir Khan Muttaqi took part in the event as the main guest.

The Moscow format of consultations is the most influential multilateral platform where regional countries coordinate their practical approaches to the Afghan peace settlement.

👉 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks

✅ During the meeting, the Sides unanimously reaffirmed their support for Afghanistan’s development as an independent, unified and peaceful state. They expressed their readiness to assist Kabul in counter-terrorism and anti-drug efforts.

The meeting participants indicated their interest in developing regional infrastructure projects involving Afghanistan and noted the promising nature of economic and trade exchanges and investment cooperation with Kabul.

☝️ The Sides noted the significance of international humanitarian aid for Afghanistan, emphasising that it must not be politically motivated.

The participants adopted a Joint Statement.

🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s article for Russia in Global Affairs magazine «The UN must recover its central role in coordinating actions by nations» (October 4, 2024)

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💬 The 79th Session of the UN General Assembly has recently completed the general debate, where President Vladimir Putin tasked me to represent the Russian Federation.

Does the Pact for the Future have a future?

Held as usual in the last week of September, the UN’s High-Level Week included the so-called Summit of the Future. The idea to convene it came from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and Russia has met this idea with understanding considering that the UN is sinking deeper and deeper into a crisis, and something has to be done about it. Russian diplomats joined efforts to prepare this meeting and acted in a sincere and honest way, even if we did not have any illusions in this regard. In fact, there were quite a few major UN events in the past which failed to go beyond bombastic declarations that were forgotten soon after their adoption.

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In 2015, the UN Summit on Sustainable Development adopted grand plans to fight poverty and inequality. In the end, they turned out to be empty promises in the face of the unwillingness of the Western countries to give up their neo-colonial practices of siphoning off the riches of the world for their own benefit. <...>

The current UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, just like Kofi Annan and Ban Ki-moon before him, has put forward an initiative under the slogan of giving a new start and resetting global cooperation.

This is a wonderful idea. Who could disagree?

But what global cooperation is there to talk about, when the West has trampled all those unshakeable values of globalisation we have been hearing about from everywhere for so many years. These perorations were designed to convince us that they would give everyone equal access to the goods of modern civilisation. Where is the inviolability of property, the presumption of innocence, freedom of expression, access to information, fair market competition under fair and constant rules?

How can we discuss global cooperation when the Western countries have unleashed a real war of sanctions against more than half, if not the majority, of the countries of the world, and the US dollar has been crudely turned into a weapon against undesirable countries? <...>

Key talking points:

• It is not too late to give the UN a new lease on life.

• It has gotten to the point where the West wants to turn the UN into an instrument for attaining itself-seeking goals.

• [The West is] hindering the badly needed change in the system of forming the UN Secretariat, where the key posts have been seized and are “inherited” by representatives of the Western minority.

• There must be an honest discussion by all UN member states, and not like a process in which the Pact for the Future was prepared – without a single plenary session of talks attended by all countries.

• Establishing a space of equal and indivisible security in Eurasia is crucial amid the all-encompassing processes unfolding in the macro-region.

• Our initiative is based on the understanding of the need for states and multilateral organisations of the Eurasian region to assume responsibility for ensuring their own security under the ‘Eurasian solutions to Eurasian problems’ formula.

***

❗️ Today, the international community once again faces massive challenges, just like during World War II, which require united efforts rather than confrontation and desire of global dominance. Russia will always advocate collective efforts, truth and the rule of law, peace and cooperation in the interests of reviving the ideals set forth by the UN’s founding fathers.

🇺🇳 Working for the honest balance of the legitimate national interests of all countries, we can bring to life the purpose of the #UN as stated in its Charter: “To be a centre for harmonising the actions of nations in the attainment of these common ends.”

🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks at talks with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Abkhazia Sergey Shamba (Moscow, October 4, 2024)

💬 I would like to congratulate you on your national holiday, Victory and Independence Day, which you marked on September 30. <...> I remember working together with you in 2008, during the events that have led to the declaration of Abkhazia’s independence and its recognition by the Russian Federation.

Our bilateral relations are growing stronger, and our political dialogue is developing. Our presidents maintain regular contacts. In March 2024, they had a detailed telephone conversation. Russian and Abkhazian departments have established close economic, cultural and humanitarian ties. I received interesting information that our trade has increased by 50 percent since the pre-COVID period. It is a good result.

We will continue to provide assistance to Abkhazia’s socioeconomic development. We are implementing a joint investment programme. Abkhazia’s GDP is growing twice as fast as planned.

🤝 We are grateful for your stance regarding the special military operation, and we are grateful to Abkhazian volunteers and citizens who are providing humanitarian assistance to our regions. We are grateful for your readiness to provide accommodation to the Russian citizens who had to flee from the affected regions of Russia. We appreciate your invitation to children from the Kursk Region to stay at the Ochamchira children’s camp as another example of the Abkhazian generosity of spirit.

👉 We will continue working together to ensure the security and strengthen the international standing of the Republic of Abkhazia in accordance with our agreements. Our foreign ministries are actively interacting and implementing the 2024-2025 plan of consultations at all points. <...> We hold positions of principle on the International Geneva Discussions on Security and Stability in the South Caucasus, where we are promoting agreements that will reliably ensure security and stability in the region based on the recognition of the current realities, including the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

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🇷🇺🇦🇲 On October 4, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to Russia Gurgen Arsenyan.

Sergey Lavrov warmly congratulated Gurgen Arsenyan on his recent appointment to the responsible position of the diplomatic mission head and wished him success in his work for the benefit of strengthening the allied ties between our countries.

They also discussed some aspects of the Russian-Armenian relations and the regional agenda.

#RussiaArmenia

🇷🇺🇦🇿 On October 4, newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Russian Federation Rahman Sahib oglu Mustafayev was received by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

The Russian Foreign Minister warmly welcomed the head of the diplomatic mission of the friendly state, a strategic partner and ally of our country, and wished him success in his activities.

Later in the day Rahman Sahib oglu Mustafayev had a meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, to whom the Ambassador handed over copies of his credentials.

🤝 During their conversation, the sides noted the progressive development of Russian-Azerbaijani relations, discussed some current issues on the bilateral agenda and reviewed the schedule of the nearest interstate contacts.

#RussiaAzerbaijan