Fillon accused Kyiv of unwillingness to grant autonomy to Donbass
A participant in the primaries from the Republicans party and the likely winner in the presidential elections in France, Francois Fillon, does not recognize the results of the 2014 Crimean referendum, but advocates resolving the Crimean issue within the framework of negotiations between Kiev and Moscow, сообщает Russian service RF1
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Francois Fillon, during a televised debate with his rival in the primaries, Alain Juppé, emphasized that France is an ally of the United States and shares with them “fundamental values that we do not share with the Russians.”
“Nevertheless, I believe that the policy that Francois Hollande has pursued towards Russia over the past four years is absurd,” he added. – And that it led to the bitterness and isolation of Russia, to the revival of nationalist reflexes in Russia.
At the same time, Russia is the largest country in the world, it is crammed with nuclear weapons. And that means this country is dangerous if you treat it the way we have treated it over the past five years. Therefore, I ask that we sit down with the Russians at the negotiating table, and, by the way, without asking permission from the Americans. And so that we try to establish relations, if not trust, but ones that would allow Russia to be “docked” to Europe.”
According to Fillon, the real danger to France is not Russia.
“The real danger is economic. And it is called the “Asian continent,” the politician emphasized. – This is not a military danger, but a danger of economic dominance in the world. Do you think it is reasonable to push Russia to make mistakes diplomatically and at the same time towards Asia, with the help of a policy of sanctions that have led to nothing except the ruin of our farmers? I believe that this policy has failed, and we must honestly admit it.”
During the debate, the issue of annexing Crimea to Russia was also raised.
“Of course, I do not support the occupation of Crimea. As, indeed, if such a question suddenly arises, the independence of Kosovo. This is a violation of international law, Fillon believes. – The issue of Crimea must be considered in the context of compliance with international law. We need negotiations within the framework of compliance with international law between Ukraine and... Russia. I also want Russia to comply with the Minsk agreements. But for it to comply with them, Ukraine must also comply with them. And the Ukrainian parliament refuses to accept one of the fundamental provisions of these agreements - the autonomy of the Donbass region.”
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