RTSun, 06 Oct 2019 11:37 UTC
© Sputnik/Vladimir FedorenkoInga Yumasheva, Russian MP
The FBI interrogation of a Russian lawmaker is a hostile action that makes Moscow question
if the White House is in control of its own national security apparatus, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a scolding statement.
Inga Yumasheva, a Russian MP, was held for questioning by the FBI while she was traveling to take part in the annual Fort Ross Dialogue forum. This was
"the latest hostile action" targeting a Russian official that will further hurt the already strained relations between the two nations, the ministry
stated.
"It poses a question: do the American authorities have no wish to normalize the dialogue, contrary to their statements, or are they unable to control the actions of national security services?"
The forum is one of few remaining venues where Russians and Americans can talk directly with each other and settle differences, so the detention of Yumasheva is perceived by Moscow as "a blatant provocation" orchestrated by the political forces in Washington that resist all attempts to mend ties, the ministry suggested.
Comment: More from
RT, 6/10/2019: Imagine FSB interrogating a US senator...
The Russian Embassy in Washington has filed a note of protest with the State Department and the FBI.
Yumasheva was taken to a separate room upon landing and interrogated by an FBI agent, who asked "obscure and unacceptable questions," according to Russian ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov. "Moreover, she was offered a meeting with the FBI officer in an informal setting to continue the conversation."
Yumasheva was questioned for over an hour before being released, but it remains unclear what exactly she was asked about. Slamming the incident as unacceptable and an outrageous attempt to disrupt yet another platform of communication between Americans and Russians, the embassy demanded an explanation from the State Department.
"Can't even imagine [what would happen if Russian] security services detained one of the US senators or representatives... took them to a private room, interrogated and then invited them to a nearby restaurant for a cup of coffee."
The annual Fort Ross Dialogue forum, held in California on October 6, is aimed at finding common ground through public diplomacy and discussions. However, some in Washington seem to reject the idea of any rapprochement with Moscow whatsoever, as the journey of Russian Foreign Ministry representatives to Fort Ross was disrupted this week.
I guess there must be some... somewhere.
R.C.