Sergei Lavrov:"Basayev has called himself responsible but this does not mean that an end to his problem will mean an end to all other problems"

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

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Commenting on media reports that it is Chechen ringleader Shamil Basayev who has taken responsibility for recent acts of terrorism, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that the latter had undoubtedly had international financial backing. "Basayev has called himself responsible but this does not mean that an end to his problem will mean an end to all other problems," said the Russian minister. Lavrov admitted that measures were being taken to arrest Basayev but the secret services' activities were not going to be made public. He also reported about Russia's intention to offer proposals on enhancing OSCE efficiency. "We hope that we shall be able to compile efficiency-raising proposals during the period left before the Council of Ministers session to take place in Sofia this December," Sergei Lavrov reported, following his talks with his Bulgarian counterpart Solomon Passy now presiding over the OSCE. "We think highly of the OSCE's role in European cooperation and consider that all the OSCE's basic components should develop with maximum effect," said Lavrov. In the opinion of the minister, these components are not restricted to security only but pertain to cooperation in economic and humanitarian spheres as well. He also praised Bulgaria for its activities as the current OSCE head.