Russia’s Views Not Addressed In US Security Proposals- Kremlin
By AFP
Russia said Thursday its views were not addressed in a US response to its security proposals to end tensions over Ukraine, but added that Moscow would not respond hastily.
“It cannot be said that our views were taken into account, or that a readiness to take our concerns into account was demonstrated,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
Peskov said the documents, delivered by Washington in coordination with its NATO allies on Wednesday, were in the hands of President Vladimir Putin.
“All these papers are with the president,” he said.
“Let’s not rush into assessments, it takes time to analyse,” he said.
Peskov said Washington and NATO had requested the documents remain confidential, but that given how many details had already been revealed by Western officials “it really might not be worth it”.
Tensions between Russia and the West have reached a post-Cold War peak after Moscow deployed tens of thousands of troops on the Ukrainian border, raising fears of an invasion.
Russia denies any plans to invade but last month put forward demands of wide-ranging security guarantees from the West, including that Ukraine never be allowed to join the US-led NATO military alliance.
The United States on Wednesday delivered a reply in co-ordination with NATO allies, rejected any ban on Ukraine, but offering what it called a new “diplomatic path” out of the crisis.
MEANWHILE, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has assured of the continuation of court sittings in Kainji, New Bussa, for the prosecution of terrorism cases.
The minister’s Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Dr. Umar Gwandu, stated, yesterday, that the minister made the disclosure while receiving the Nigerian Ambassador to The Netherlands, Dr. Eniola Ajayi, on Tuesday.
Malami reportedly commended the envoy for her tireless efforts and patriotism.
He added: With due diligence to Nigeria’s mandate under Article 86 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal court (ICC), Nigeria cooperated fully with the court through submission of relevant documents and reports of panels of enquiry.”
Malami, the aide noted, said a committee had already been established for the domestication of the Rome Statute in Nigeria.
KADUNA State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has cautioned against renewed violence in Southern Kaduna, just as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) claimed that three herders were killed in a fresh crisis.
The Chairman of Kaduna CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab, stated: “We received, with sadness, the news of the killing of a herder in Kaduna, which has led to renewed circle of massacres. The development is tragic. Therefore, CAN appeals to citizens and all stakeholders to join hands to stop this new wave of killings.
“Our dear state has been in the news for the wrong reasons, including banditry, assaults on communities and killing of innocent citizens. This evil must stop now and those keeping quiet need to speak up forthwith.”