MOSCOW, December 25. /TASS/. Moscow has fully implemented its obligations to destroy chemical weapons stockpiles, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Friday, commenting on a statement by British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace.
"I would like to point out that Russia has fully and faithfully implemented its obligations to destroy the country’s chemical weapons stockpiles. The process was completed three years ago under the supervision of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)," she noted.
"At the same time, in line with the [Chemical Weapons] Convention, Russia continues to receive OPCW inspectors at former chemical weapons production facilities, including those that have been converted for non-prohibited purposes, and at the production areas of chemical facilities that fall under the convention’s criteria. No violations have been detected," Zakharova emphasized.
British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said earlier in an interview with the Daily Telegraph that the United Kingdom wanted a relationship "with Russian people" but it would not be easy following the Salisbury incident.
Russia’s 'concerning' behavior
Moscow is puzzled by the statements made by UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace who claimed that Russia is engaged in ‘concerning’ behavior in British skies and waters, Maria Zakharova said.
According to her, London continues to resort to unfounded accusations to put pressure on Russia and fan the flames of Russophobic sentiments in British society. Zakharova pointed out that the end goal of these actions is to justify NATO’s aggressive policy in general and in the UK in particular.
"Ben Wallace’s statement on Russia’s alleged ‘concerning behavior’ manifested in increased activity in British waters and skies is puzzling," the diplomat stressed in light of Wallace’s interview for The Daily Telegraph.
In this regard, Zakharova recalled promises made by Western countries that NATO will not be expanded to the east. At the same time, she pointed out, the alliance continues to grow - its military infrastructure is being modernized and is creeping closer to the Russian border. Multinational contingents are deployed in the Baltic Region, advanced centers of heavy weapons spring up in Europe, intensity of exercises increases, while military budgets of the allies are swelling.
According to the diplomat, this creates preconditions for outbreak of incidents and exacerbates the already complicated situation on the continent. "We are forced to react to mitigate emerging threats to our security. This is a legitimate right of any sovereign state," she emphasized.
According to Zakharova, the British defense secretary’s interview generally reaffirms London’s position to avoid constructive discussions on existing problems and disagreements through professional dialogue.