TASHKENT, November 10. /TASS/. Neither Moscow nor Washington currently needs European participation in the trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi. France’s statement that it will be represented at the meeting is an attempt to put on a brave face despite having no role to play, Fyodor Lukyanov, research director of the Foundation for Development and Support of the Valdai International Discussion Club, told TASS.
The expert drew attention to a statement by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot that European countries, including France, would be represented at the trilateral talks between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine in the UAE.
"The Russian side has already stated clearly and unequivocally that it does not expect Europe there and that Europe will not be there. I think the American side does not need Europe right now either. So, all this talk about them being represented there is just putting on a brave face when they have no role to play. As for Europe’s role in general, at present it is playing no role other than a destructive one, and it has no desire to play any other," he said.
At the same time, Lukyanov clarified that when it comes to European security issues, "it will not be possible to reach agreements without the participation of European countries" in the future. "But not now," he added.
Trilateral talks between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine on resolving the Ukraine conflict are scheduled for November 10-11 in Abu Dhabi. Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky will lead the Russian delegation, while Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service chief Rustem Umerov will head the Ukrainian delegation. As Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov reported, the talks will focus on security guarantees, with details to be discussed behind closed doors.