Lavrov's Valdai Discussion Club Address

by Stephen Lendman (stephenlendman.org - Home - Stephen Lendman)

Lavrov's public addresses are thoughtful, honest, and straightforward, polar opposite his US counterparts no matter who serves in the role. 

They all give diplomacy a bad name, notably Hillary and Pompeo.

Established in 2004, the Valdai International Discussion Club is a forum for scholarly presentations on geopolitical, economic and related issues.

More than 1,000 academics and other public figures from 71 have participated in annual events.

On October 2, Lavrov participated in a Valdai discussion panel on Russia's Middle East policy.

He noted that the cradle of civilization and major world religions was transformed "into a platform for, to put it bluntly, reckless experiments that lead to tragic consequences," adding:

"The root of what is happening there probably lies in a quote that I saw in the Valdai Club's annual report: 'Non-interference in internal affairs are just words, not a standard for behavior.' Another quote: .The sovereignty of states no longer limits others in their actions.' "

Referring to endless US wars of aggression for regime change without naming the country, he slammed "(r)eckless ventures…in Iraq and Libya," smashing both countries.

US-supported Mujahidden fighters in Afghanistan became today's Taliban. ISIS, al-Qaeda and their offshoots are US creations.

US aggression in Syria "stimulat(ed) unrest…to destabilize this Middle Eastern state," said Lavrov. 

Al-Qaeda's al-Nusra offshoot controls most of Idlib province, holding around three million civilians hostages as human shields.

"ISIS became closely intertwined with terrorist groups in Africa, such as al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, Boko Haram and Al-Shabab," Lavrov explained, adding: 

"Now, this terrorist international is already terrorizing, probably, half of Africa, especially in the Sahara-Sahel region." 

"This is the reality that was created after the winners in the Cold War (USA) felt they could get away with anything and decided to act on the principle 'I do as I please.' "

Russia's intervention in Syria to combat US-supported terrorists prevented the Libya scenario from repeating — short of ending war, along with illegal US and Turkish of Syrian territory.

Liberated areas under Damascus' control let internally and externally Syrian refugees return to their home cities, towns and villages, Russia key in providing them with humanitarian aid — nothing from the West and UN, except to terrorist-controlled areas.

Lavrov: "Instead of joining forces in the fight against terrorism without dual standards and attempts to use criminals for their own geopolitical goals, and instead of giving up the friend-or-foe approach, (the US and its imperial allies Lavrov falsely called 'colleagues') try to accuse the Syrian authorities of all deadly sins in any way they can."

Russia intends to "everything we can to let the Syrians come to terms without external interference. There are signs of attempts to interfere in this process. We will counter them deftly but firmly."

Lavrov expressed concern about US/Israeli conspiratorial efforts to prevent equity and justice for long-suffering Palestinians, notably undermining their right to self-determination.

The Trump regime "is going all-out to demonize, and isolate the Islamic Republic of Iran and compel it to give up" — a recklessly dangerous agenda risking possible US war, madness if launched.

Phony US accusations against Iran "are not based on convincing evidence," said Lavrov. No evidence whatever exists, accusations fabricated, part of the Trump regime's war on Tehran by other means, the same thing on Venezuela.

Lavrov: "Of course, the withdrawal of the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or the Iran nuclear deal, was a typical example of a total disregard for international law and UN Security Council decisions." 

"Not only did the United States refuse to deliver on these decisions, it forbids other countries from observing the Iran nuclear deal and the relevant UN Security Council resolution, threatening to impose sanctions on them if they fail to obey." 

Russia "never never tried to become involved anywhere without an invitation (from a host country) but only to project our influence." 

"If you look at the acts of US interference, you will see that they are actually designed to force the country in question to do what Washington wants." 

"Washington believes that turbulence is a useful thing, because the United States is located far away but it has its bases here and can use them to see which side to support, where oil will flow, where gas will come from, and to whom to sell US weapons. The longer a conflict, the higher the demand for US weapons."

Russia uses its influence to restore peace, stability, and security to troubled nations, most often ones devastated by US hot wars or by other means.

"You will see no attempts on our part to force our will or formulas on anyone," said Lavrov. Russia's actions support his words.

On Iran, Lavrov noted his foreign minister counterpart Zarif saying an EU official told him the block can't do anything without US permission — not forthcoming.

The false statement should have made clear that the EU can, but won't, do anything without Washington's approval.

Colonies obey a higher power controlling them. Sovereign independent states pursue their own interests, tolerating no external interference — what international law prohibits, what the US flagrantly violates.

Among major powers, Russia is the world's leading proponent and pursuer of peace and stability in nations devastated by endless wars.

The US is the leading global aggressor, waging war on humanity at home and abroad.

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