At Kremlin Ceremony Putin Expressed His Condolences to US and Commented on Catalan Referendum
Vladimir Putin received credentials from 20 foreign ambassadors, including the US ambassador, Jon Huntsman, representatives of the EU, France, Spain. Traditionally, the ceremony took place in the Grand Kremlin Palace. Addressing the ambassadors, who have come to office, the President tackled major foreign politics questions, including the North Korean and the Ukrainian issues.
Vladimir Putin: "We see increasing confrontation over North Korea’s nuclear missile program. You know our stance. We condemn Pyongyang’s activities that violate the UN Security Council resolution. But using increasingly militant rhetoric is not just a road to nowhere, but also a highly destructive policy. All parties must show restraint and look for a peaceful solution. In a modern world, conflicts must be settled with due regard for many factors, some of them extremely delicate ones, and through compromise. Speaking about the Ukrainian crisis, this approach is reflected in the package of measures, negotiated in Minsk in February 2015. This package includes all the key political and security elements of a settlement. To give an additional impetus to the settlement, Russia has recently advanced an initiative for a UN mission to help protect OSCE observers in Donbass. We hope to be able to hold a business-like and constructive discussion of this incentive at the UN Security Council".
Addressing the new US ambassador, the Russian President touched upon the Las Vegas tragedy, expressing his condolences regarding the death of dozens of people. He also stated Moscow's stance on the Russian-American bilateral relations.
Vladimir Putin: "Addressing the Ambassador of the United States, I would like to express my most sincere condolences to the nation and the country's leaders in connection with the horrible Las Vegas tragedy. We are mourning with all those who lost their relatives and friends, and wish recovery to all the wounded. As for bilateral relations with the US, the current level is unsatisfactory. We stand for constructive, predictable, and mutually beneficial cooperation. We are convinced that it should be based on the adherence to the principles of equality, respect for national interests, and non-interference in domestic affairs".
Vladimir Putin also commented on the referendum in Spanish Catalonia, expressed his hope that this political crisis will be successfully resolved.
Vladimir Putin: "Russian-Spanish relations have a centuries-long history. This year we celebrated the 350th anniversary of the establishment of the first diplomatic contacts between our states. Our people share the feelings of mutual sympathy and respect. There is potential for developing Russian-Spanish cooperation in many areas despite an adverse political situation. Now the Catalan independence referendum is in the spotlight. Frankly, we are deeply concerned about Spain. But it is, of course, an internal affair of the Kingdom of Spain. We hope it will overcome the crisis".