MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. Moscow is concerned over attempts to review the Dayton Agreement, supported by the West, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a meeting with President of Republika Srpska (part of Bosnia and Herzegovina) Milorad Dodik.
According to Lavrov, Russia’s position is based on agreements reached, in particular, during Dodik’s meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The top diplomat noted that the agreements aimed to "ensure strict compliance with the Dayton Agreement and prevent violations of the constituent peoples’ rights."
"Of course, the recent attempts to review these principles cause concern. We know that some of our Western counterparts either turn a blind eye to these attempts or openly support them," Lavrov said.
"We have been taking active steps in order to keep them within the boundaries approved by the United Nations," the Russian top diplomat added.
Lavrov also said that Russia planned to "carry on with this line." "Undoubtedly, we will continue to develop our trade, economic and humanitarian ties. Today, I intend to thoroughly discuss these issues with you," he said addressing Dodik.
"We are very grateful to your country, your government and the president for consistent approach to the development of the situation in our country and the region," Dodik said.
"The situation would have been worse without Russia’s consistent support for the Dayton Agreement (the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina)," Milorad Dodik said.
The president also expressed condolences over the death of Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin. "He was our big friend and an excellent person," the republic’s leader said.
Vitaly Churkin died on February 20, a day before his 65th birthday. He had been Russia’s UN ambassador since April 8, 2006, representing the country in the United Nations Security Council. The ambassador died while on duty.