MOSCOW, November 3. /TASS/. The upcoming trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi will be centered around mutual security guarantees for Russia and Ukraine, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Vesti television in a comment.
Russia will sooner or later have to negotiate a future security system in Europe with the Europeans, but it will need to understand who will be the negotiator, he argued.
TASS has collected key statements from the Russian presidential spokesman.
On Abu Dhabi talks
According to Peskov, mutual security guarantees for Russia and Ukraine will be discussed at the trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi: "The talks will cover security issues, including security guarantees. These can only be mutual."
Peskov ruled out the possibility of Europe taking part in the Abu Dhabi talks on Ukraine as a trilateral format was originally agreed: "No, it would be impossible [to join] these negotiations as a trilateral format was coordinated. That is between Russia and Ukraine with US mediation."
On dialogue with Europe
Russia will sooner or later enter into dialogue on a future security system in Europe with European countries, but understating who will act as a negotiator there is key, Peskov argued: "Sooner or later, that makes no difference, of course, because we will discuss a security system in Europe, and a future security system, which will be an essential element of a settlement, and we will need a conversation with the Europeans. I wish we could understand who to engage with over there."
Meanwhile, the complicated process of selecting officials authorized to hold talks with Russia will continue in Europe: "As for the Europeans, it is taking them too long to decide who has the right to speak with us. They have to ask for permission first and consult with one another."