In the Hague, at the session of the Executive Council of the OPCW, the head of Russian delegation stated that Russia strongly rejects all accusations of using Novichok and cyberattacks against the OPCW. The Western countries are stirring up hysteria around Russia to sell the initiative that the US, the UK, and the EU allow the OPCW to determine those responsible for chemical attacks, and this goes against the essence and the objectives of the Chemical Weapons Convention. It only deepens the division within the organization.
Darya Grigorova with the details.
The regular session of the Executive Council of the OPCW will start soon. The delegates are arriving in their cars. They are driving through the gate. The session is closed to journalists. The representative of the US delegation has arrived in a black armored SUV. When he got out of the car, talking on his phone, it could be seen that he's wearing gloves, even though it's not cold outside. The session is being held against the background of the spy mania and accusing Russia of large-scale cyberattacks.
- Is the news about the alleged Russian intelligence agents, who tried to do something, being discussed in the margins of the session?
Georgy Kalamanov, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade: "It's absurd. We're practically standing on the spot that we saw in the photographs. The embassy officials have arrived. It's a routine function of the embassy. Nothing happened in April. We ask ourselves why it took place two days before the session of the Executive Council of the OPCW, which adopted not only routine but real decisions".
The real decisions, which the head of the Russian delegation spoke of, include the adoption of the organization's budget for 2019. It's a coincidence that it provides for an increase in expenses for security and protection from cyberattacks.
In their statements, the Russian representatives also touched upon the investigation of the incidents in Salisbury.
Victor Kholstov, Representative of the Ministry of Industry and Trade: "You see, according to researchers, more than 60 compounds belong to the class of Novichok. So, why do they ask Russia about it? They shouldn't ask us. They should ask the Western countries about the class of Novichok".
Russia has already reported that the UK is working on a substance, A-234, called Novichok. However, no tests have been done in the Porton Down laboratory. Nevertheless, the UK has suggested changing the procedure existing since the end of WWII. It suggested that the organization be entitled to determine those who are responsible. As of now, this function belongs to the UN Security Council only.
They needed to make the impartial experts into a punitive organ, which doesn't require the UN mandate, in order to get past Russia's Security Council veto. Our delegation stands against this.
Darya Grigorova, Anton Chagaev, Vesti, Hague, the Netherlands.
