FROM EIR DAILY ALERT

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Lavrov Makes Case for U.S. and Russian Intelligence Agencies To Maintain Regular Contact

Dec. 17, 2018 (EIRNS)—In an interview with Komsomolskaya Pravda radio program today, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that despite all the problems between the U.S. and Russia, Moscow has never rejected professional dialogue with Washington in areas of common interest, in which “partners are ready to discuss the existing common threats and problems honestly and on an equitable basis.”

As TASS reported, Lavrov confirmed that the two nations’ intelligence agencies have maintained contacts. “A round of negotiations on fighting terrorism has been held after a long break,” he said, and also described how in a number of other areas, such as the Syrian situation, North Korean denuclearization, and Afghanistan peace, “we have contacts, which do not always reveal coincidences, but which are fairly regular.”

In the interview, Lavrov also recalled that Donald Trump, during his 2016 presidential campaign, had said he hoped to have better relations with Russia. He emphasized,

“However, of course, the United States see us, and China as well, by the way, as competitors, regardless of who is supporting friendly relations with Russia. The Russophobic campaign has brought nothing to Washington, and in recent weeks, U.S. propagandists have actively embarked on China, making it the main hacker, who allegedly undermines the foundations of American society.”

The Foreign Minister concluded:

“It is unfortunate when the interests of the international community, global strategic stability and international security fall victim to domestic political strife. But we will be ready for dialogue even in these conditions.”