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Russia-EU relations to deteriorate if EP does not acknowledge elections – diplomat

Earlier, the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee suggested that the EU prepare for non-recognition of the results of the State Duma elections if Brussels considers that they were held in violation of international regulations
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova Russian Foreign Ministry Press Office/TASS
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova
© Russian Foreign Ministry Press Office/TASS

MOSCOW, September 15. /TASS/. The relations between Russia and the EU will be seriously harmed if the European Parliament recommends not to acknowledge the results of the Duma elections, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday.

Answering the question about the consequences of the possible adoption of the EP report on the non-recognition of the State Duma elections, Zakharova stressed that it is better to readdress this issue to the Europeans themselves "given the problems that are on the agenda of both the EU and the European continent as a whole". "Just imagine, there will be such a recommendation about the non-recognition of the elections. Another very serious stone will be cast at the development of our relations with this part of the planet," Zakharova said.

According to her, both the EU and individual countries now realize that one of the major issues at present is Afghanistan’s situation. "They are perfectly aware that our country has all the possibilities and has dealt with it on a systematic and legal basis in order to play a role in resolving this issue both on a regional and global scale. They turn to us with a request for assistance in solving this very acute problem," she stressed.

"It is necessary to make a choice. Either a choice in favor of the further deterioration of our relations, or a choice in favor of listening to reason. I do not even deny the collective West, since pragmatism must still prevail. But it’s up to them, they need to make a choice", the diplomat said.

Earlier, the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee suggested that the EU prepare for non-recognition of the results of the State Duma elections if Brussels considers that they were held in violation of international regulations. The text of the document was approved by 56 members of the committee, nine people voted against, five abstained. The reports and resolutions of the EP are advisory in nature and are not binding on the other EU institutions. The recognition of foreign political institutions by the EP also does not carry any legal burden.

Elections to the 8th Russian State Duma (lower house) are scheduled for September 19, 2021, known as the Single Voting Day. The balloting process will span across three days - September 17, 18, and 19. In addition to the State Duma elections, voters will go to the polls to cast ballots for the heads of nine Russian regions (in another three regions local legislatures will elect top executive officials) and in elections for 39 regional parliaments.