Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, shakes hands with U.N. General-Secretary Ban Ki-moon, left.
Photo: Dmitry Azarov
| Other Photos |
 |
|
 |
Churkin: Russia Hasn’t Threatened Ban Ki-moon
The allegations whereby Russia threatens to block the second-term appointment of U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon because of Kosovo views have been framed-up, said Russia’s Ambassador to U.N. Vitaly Churkin, RIA Novosti reported.
It was Britain’s Times that reported past week that Russia had pressurized Ban Ki-moon during his recent visit to Moscow. Ban Ki-moon was allegedly told that Russia might not back up his candidacy should he refuse to be tougher on Kosovo. Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia February 17 and have been recognized by more than 30 states, while Russia, China, India, Spain, Greece and a few other countries still consider it a Serbian province.
“There were no threats whatsoever, either implicit or explicit ones. That is not the manner that Russia has adopted to deal with its foreign partners, including the U.N. secretary-general,” Churkin told the reporters on Monday.
“In time of the contacts with secretary-general, we have, of course, clearly set forth our position, but those contacts were held with due respect to the position of the secretary-general and personally Ban Ki-moon,” the official specified, adding that the Moscow visit of the secretary-general was very successful and his negotiations with Russia’s leadership were very intense.
At the same time, Churkin specified Russia’s discontent about the Kosovo views of Ban Ki-moon.
“We aren’t completely satisfied with his position on Kosovo. It’s evident that quite a few attempt to pressurize the secretary-general and he is to take into consideration the opinions of different participants of different situations,” Churkin said.
www.kommersant.com
|
|
|
