Interfax: Moscow to respond proportionally in case Washington expands Magnitsky List – official [Matviyenko]

Valentina Matviyenko file photo

(Interfax – December 18, 2013) The so-called Magnitsky List is an utterly unfriendly step regarding Russia and Moscow will take proportionate measures if it is expanded, Russian Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko said.

“I think that this law is an unfriendly step regarding us and does not contribute to improving the climate in our bilateral relations with the United States. And if the U.S. passes another expanded list without any grounds, Russia will give back as good as one gets and will take proportionate measures,” Matviyenko told reporters on Wednesday.
Memorial Flowers and Photo of Sergei Magnitsky

As to similar threats from the European Parliament, absolutely no grounds and reasons exist for this, Matviyenko said.

“This is the politics of certain European Rusophobic deputies, who are trying to implement their political aspirations in such a way and, to be honest, if such a decision of the European Parliament emerges, this is of no importance and significance to us,” the speaker said.

When asked exactly which proportionate measures Russia could take in response to the expanded list, Matviyenko said: “Proportionate measures, they are formed in case if the U.S. takes such measures and will be released by Russia timely.”

File Photo of U.S. Capitol in Bright Sunlight

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