The State Duma Committee on International Affairs, headed by Chairman Leonid Slutsky, held a meeting on May 26 with the Member of the European Parliament from Luxembourg, member of the European Conservatives and Reformers Group Fernand Kartheiser.
Leonid Slutsky especially emphasized that Fernand Kartheiser came to Moscow to understand the current situation, including the Ukrainian conflict, and to familiarize himself in detail with Russia’s position. “He is a courageous man who found the courage to come to Moscow to understand the situation, which is being presented in a very one-sided and ineffective manner, mainly on the Ukrainian dossier and in general on today’s Russian policy, presented in European organizations. A detailed exchange of opinions took place. I am sure, and we have previously agreed, that this story will be continued,” Leonid Slutsky said.
Fernand Kartheiser, in turn, noted that today in Europe they are hindering dialogue with Russia, forgetting about the experience of the Cold War. He expressed confidence that Russian-European cooperation must be restored.
“For the past 30 years, the situation in Europe has been such that, on the contrary, dialogue is being hindered. Moreover, today we have forgotten about the experience that we gained after the Cold War, when we talked a lot about the disarmament process, about dialogue with Russia, and this dialogue achieved some progress. Therefore, today, I believe that this dialogue simply must be restored, at least to the level that existed before the events in Ukraine,” said Fernand Kartheiser.
He also added that Leonid Slutsky fully presented Russia’s position on the Ukrainian issue. Fernand Kartheiser expressed hope that cooperation in the cultural sphere and security issues will be restored between Russia and Luxembourg.
“We exchanged views on a variety of aspects, in particular, we discussed the problems of protecting civilians, as well as the problems of war crimes, which are much discussed in the media today. Moreover, we discussed the importance of all parties participating in the resolution of the conflict, for everyone to participate and sit down at the negotiating table. We have reached a certain mutual understanding,” said Fernand Kartheiser.
Leonid Slutsky, for his part, expressed confidence that today’s meeting could be the first step toward resuming dialogue with European institutions.
“We sincerely believe and hope that this could be the first step toward a gradual, careful resumption of dialogue with European institutions. In Europe as a whole, there are more and more sensible people who do not agree with the obviously anti-Russian course of Western European leaders. And who want to figure out for themselves where the truth lies, and are determined to have a balanced, ultimately effective cooperation with Russia,” concluded Leonid Slutsky.