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Moscow to host international security conference despite the events in Ukraine - Antonov

MOSCOW, April 21, /ITAR-TASS/. An international security conference will take place in Moscow despite the Ukraine crisis and western sanctions against Russia.

“We are going to hold this conference under any circumstances,” Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov said in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta that the daily will publish on Tuesday.

“It is particularly important to do it now when other floors for discussion are no longer available,” Antonov emphasized.

The latest events in the Middle East, northern Africa and Afghanistan will certainly be part of the agenda. “It is very important to analyze the negative political and economic consequences of the so-called Arab spring. We are also going to discuss ‘colored revolutions’ projects in the territory of the former USSR, including Ukraine,” Antonov went on to say. ·

He noted that some delegates had refused to attend the conference.

“The Americans have already refused. Some other refusals may follow. But this is their choice, “Antonov said, adding they had not introduced any bans or cancelled a single invitation.

More than 40 countries and international organizations confirmed the participation of their delegates, including nine defence ministers. Asian and Middle East states are expected to have serious presence. Russian and foreign non-governmental experts are showing great interest in the gathering.

Antonov said that over 200 journalists would cover the international security conference in Moscow.

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