MOSCOW
The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned French Ambassador Pierre Levy on Wednesday and conveyed “strong protests” for remarks by French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna concerning an attack on the head of the Russian House in the Central African Republic (CAR).
The ministry stressed in a statement the unacceptability of Colonna’s accusations against Russia for spreading “propaganda” and using “violence against the civilian population” of CAR by Russian private military structures.
“These comments sound particularly inappropriate and cynical at a time when a Russian citizen who was seriously injured as a result of a criminal action organized by unidentified persons only miraculously survived and continues complex treatment in the hospital,” it said.
The ministry urged French authorities to refrain from a “neocolonial approach,” which is manifested in “pointing out to African partners with whom they should be friends and cooperate,” stirring anti-Russian hysteria and “creating an atmosphere of hostility” for Russian representatives and specialists who carry out activities at the invitation of legitimate authorities of the CAR.
