Accessibility links

Breaking News

Russian FM Accuses EU Foreign Policy Chief Of 'Interfering'


The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton
The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton
Russia has accused European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton of interfering in the country's internal affairs.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Aleksandr Lukashevich said that, in a speech at the European Parliament on February 1, Ashton had been trying to "lecture" Russian authorities.

In her speech, Ashton urged the Russian government to engage in dialogue with the opposition and "define an agenda of change."

She also urged authorities to review their decision to deny opposition leader Grigory Yavlinsky the chance to register as a candidate in the election.

Ministry spokesman Lukashevich said on February 2 that Ashton's assessment of the upcoming election -- in which Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is seeking a third term as president -- was "tendentious

Compiled from agency reports

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG