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U.S. delivers written letter to Russia addressing Moscow’s concerns: Blinken

Published

2 years ago

27/01/2022

MNN

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the letter “sets out a serious diplomatic path forward should Russia choose it.”

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that the United States has delivered a written letter to Russia addressing Moscow’s concerns amid escalating tensions on Ukraine’s border.

Blinken told a press conference at the State Department that the letter, which was delivered to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the U.S. ambassador to Russia, “sets out a serious diplomatic path forward should Russia choose it.” The letter, Blinken said, was in response to Russia recently outlining “its concerns and proposals in writing” to the United States.

In addition to concerns of the United States and that of its allies and partners regarding “Russia’s actions that undermine our security,” what was contained in the letter also included “a principled and pragmatic evaluation of the concerns that Russia has raised, and our own proposals for areas where we may be able to find common ground,” Blinken said.

Washington’s written response also included proposals for improving “reciprocal transparency” between Russia and the West regarding “force posture in Ukraine,” as well as “measures to increase confidence regarding military exercises and maneuvers in Europe,” Blinken said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (R) and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken have a meeting in Reykjavik, Iceland, May 19, 2021. (Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs/Sigurjon Ragnar/Handout via Xinhua)

It also included proposals addressing the placement of missile systems in Europe and arms control, such as “our interest in a follow-on agreement to the New START treaty that covers all nuclear weapons,” he said.

Blinken said “if negotiated in good faith,” these proposals have the potential to enhance the security of the United States and that of its allies and partners, “while also addressing Russia’s stated concerns through reciprocal commitments.”

The secretary reiterated that Washington prefers resolving the crisis through diplomacy and is “prepared to move forward where there is the possibility of communication and cooperation, if Russia de-escalates its aggression toward Ukraine, stops the inflammatory rhetoric, and approaches to discussions about the future security in Europe in the spirit of reciprocity.”

Blinken said the United States will not make the letter public and hopes that Russia will do the same, “because we think diplomacy has the best chance to succeed if we provide space for confidential talks.”

News

Minister confirms redeployment of all Indian militants

Published

6 hours ago

11/05/2024

Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon has disclosed that the 76 Indian militants stationed in the Maldives have been successfully redeployed. The redeployment of foreign troops from the nation is a commitment of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

The withdrawal of the Indian military troops stationed by May 10 in the Maldives, as per the pledge of President Dr. Muizzu, were officially announced today at a press conference held at the President’s Office. The troops were redeployed in batches, with the first batch redeployed in March. This was followed by the withdrawal of the second batch of militants in April and the last batch on May 10.

Details on the withdrawal of the foreign troops are as follows: In March, a total of 26 soldiers who were stationed in Gan, Addu City were redeployed, with 12 militants redeployed on March 7 and 14 militants on March 9. Meanwhile, 25 military personnel in Hanimaadhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll withdrew, with 13 soldiers redeployed on April 7 and 12 on May 9. The troops stationed in Kadhdhoo, Laamu Atoll were redeployed with 12 personnel withdrawing the platforms on May 7 and 13 by May 9.

Speaking at the press conference, Minister Ghassan revealed that the foreign soldiers working at Senahiya Military Hospital are doctors, and there were no plans to redeploy them. The minister assured that these soldiers were not partaking in any military roles.

Source(s): PsmNews

News

Foreign Minister prioritises talks with India to expedite projects

Published

6 hours ago

11/05/2024

Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer has affirmed that significant strides have been made in expediting projects initiated in the Maldives with financial assistance from the Indian Government.

Following his official visit to India at the invitation of Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar, Minister Zameer said that a spectrum of initiatives across the nation has been kickstarted through loans and grants from the Government of India during the previous administration. He emphasised the current government’s commitment to prioritising the resumption and completion of these projects. He also underscored his dedication to this endeavor during his recent visit to India.

Additionally, Minister Zameer disclosed that both ministers engaged in bilateral discussions on May 9 to address pivotal matters aimed at expediting the projects. He underscored the discussions with Minister S. Jaishankar, focusing on the operational dynamics of the committees entrusted with executing these projects.

During the official discussions between the two nations, Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated the significance of India’s ongoing projects in the Maldives.

Source(s): PsmNew

News

Redeployment of Indian troops, attributed to critical thinking of President

Published

6 hours ago

11/05/2024

Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon has revealed that all the Indian military troops, previously stationed in Maldivian platforms were effectively redeployed due to the strategic decision-making skills and critical thinking of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The remarks were made by the minister during a press conference held to officially announce the redeployment of all Indian militants.

Addressing the media, Minister Ghassan disclosed that a total of 76 military personnel were stationed across three platforms in the Maldives. The three platforms include Hanimaadhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Gan in Addu City and Kadhdhoo in Laamu Atoll. The minister further confirmed the successful withdrawal of all foreign troops in the country by the deadline set by the government, which was May 10.

Minister Ghassan stated that the successful redeployment of troops through series of discussions in a small period of time, were attributed to the critical and strategic thinking of President Dr. Muizzu.

Source(s): PsmNews