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Magnitsky Act passing by US is self-destructing decision-Duma

As for the law itself, in the opinion of the head of the Duma committee, it cannot be described other than lynching and brutal pressure

MOSCOW, December 7 (Itar-Tass) — American politicians have adopted the “self-destructive decision” because “freedom and mob law are incompatible.” This opinion was expressed by head of the Committee for Security and Combating Corruption of the State Duma lower house of Russia’s parliament Irina Yarovaya (United Russia). She and her colleagues thus commented on the approval by the US Senate of the Magnitsky Act in connection with the repeal of the discriminatory Jackson-Vanik amendment.

“The repeal of the Jackson-Vanik amendment looks rather not like a demonstration of loyalty of the United States towards Russia, but as a common sense step in its own favour for the sake of the US own economic interests,” the parliamentarian said. “And this by no means is a circumstance mitigating the decision on the Magnitsky list.”

As for the law itself, in the opinion of the head of the Duma committee, it cannot be described other than lynching and brutal pressure. “For a civilized rule-of-law-based state such decisions are unacceptable, because they discredit its legal and moral system,” said the lawmaker.

“It is no good to talk to Russia from such positions. Diktat and pressure will always evoke a response reaction,” Yarovaya warned.

Deputy chairman of the Duma Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building, United Russia member Dmitry Vyatkin for his part expressed the view that the Magnitsky list is psychological in nature, and more so for American politicians than for the Russian. “Certainly, it is a very unpleasant thing in the relationship between our two countries. But, nevertheless, all the experts and diplomats agree, and I agree with them that this will not fundamentally affect the relationship between the United States and Russia,” he told reporters.

“These relations are very pragmatic, although there are certain “noise” actions of the United States,” stated the Duma member. “But this action is aimed at American voters themselves, at maintaining the image of US lawmakers as the guardians of world order and the guardians of democracy.”

Vyatkin also expressed confidence that the Magnitsky Act has nothing to do with the respect for human rights, and is a political act. He recalled that “this card was played actively during the election campaign, and now their politicians have to take action in this sphere to justify the confidence of the voters.”

The parliamentarian also confirmed that Russia will take measures in response. “A certain list of elites involved in the violation of the rights of Russian citizens should be compiled. And the very possibility of the use of sanctions, including visa restrictions, can also be considered,” he promised.

In general, according to Vyatkin, the actions of the US lawmakers are “puzzling and disappointing.” “They want to create an image of the enemy in order to score political points in the domestic arena,” concluded the politician.

Member of the Supreme Council of United Russia, deputy speaker of the Federation Council Svetlana Orlova for her part did not rule out that Russia, in response to the Magnitsky Act may prepare a list of US diplomats, interfering in the internal affairs of the country.

“Nobody knows who is in the Magnitsky list. This is wrong. If we work in an open space, so we have to work in it,” the FC member said.

“Russia is a great power, a great country and it has nothing to fear,” Orlova continued. “We also can adopt in response a list, for example, of those diplomats who interfere in the internal affairs of the country, or a list of non-profit organisations that are funded by the United States.” “Just try to finance anything in the United States or take to the streets in Washington to rally,” she said ironically.