'There will be no dialogue from the position of strength,' the Russian parliamentarian stated.
EU Commission head got off on wrong foot urging to join forces against Russia
Germany's Ursula von der Leyen delivering her speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg © AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias
MOSCOW, July 19, 2019 - Moscow suggests that Russia and the European Union start talking instead of making threats, but it is impossible to talk about partner relations until European politicians cease advancing aggressive policies against Russia, Chairman of the Russian Federation Council’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Senator Konstantin Kosachev said on Friday.
"We equally cannot hold dialogue in the same way with those who advance aggressive economic, information and other policies against our country, issue ultimatums, use incorrect terms, carry out large-scale disinformation and fact-meddling campaigns, boost military presence near our borders and brazenly interfere in our domestic affairs," Kosachev wrote on his official Facebook page.
"Until it all stops, we cannot talk about partner relations. We are not asking the EU, we are proposing moving from threats to dialogue. However, judging by the first speeches of the European Commission president, flexibility and diplomacy are not the strengths of the new leaders," the senator added.
His comments were made after former German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen, appointed President of the European Commission, delivered speeches, saying that the EU and NATO should continue dialogue with Russia from the position of strength.
"I believe that Ursula von der Leyen got off on the wrong foot. She urged to do everything possible so that the EU and the United States join their efforts to collectively oppose Russia and not counter it separately, continue abiding by the sanctions against Russia from the position of strength, because the Kremlin allegedly is merciless in the face of weaknesses," Kosachev pointed out.
Bad Advisors
According to the senator, the European Commission head’s advisors are bad if they are convincing her that talking to a partner with respect is a weakness. The senator is certain that "von der Leyen’s statements on successes in exposing Russian disinformation and fake [news] spreading campaigns (in other words, everything that does not fit the solely true Western point of view) reflect the continuation of the policy of autosuggestions and denial of the very possibility of alternatives to complicated situations."
At the same time, the head of the Federation Council Committee believes that "mundane reassurances of the European Commission president that [the EU] is ready for dialogue with Russia do not seem convincing." "Just like her predecessors, Ursula von der Leyen does not seem to realize that it is not Russia longing for dialogue at any cost and under any conditions. It is equally needed by both sides and our nations. There will be no dialogue from the position of strength," Kosachev underscored.
On July 16, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) approved the nomination of Ursula von der Leyen as president of the European Commission.
She will assume office on November 1, when the term of current president Jean-Claude Juncker expires.
Germany's Merkel, planning to serve full term, backs under-fire protégée
Germany's Angela Merkel threw her weight behind her embattled new defense minister and heir-apparent on Friday, while insisting she herself was fit to carry on serving as chancellor through to the end of her term in 2021.
EU plans to offer Boris Johnson no-deal Brexit extension - The Guardian
The European Union is preparing to offer Boris Johnson, the favourite to be Britain's next prime minister, a no-deal Brexit extension beyond Oct. 31, the Guardian newspaper reported on Friday.
Three British ministers set to resign if Johnson becomes PM: The Times
Three British cabinet ministers are set to resign the day Boris Johnson, if as expected, becomes Britain's next prime minister, The Times newspaper reported on Thursday.
Incoming EU chief von der Leyen says 'we don't want a hard Brexit'
The future head of the European Commission said she would be minded to grant Britain an extension to talks on its exit from the EU if London gave good grounds, adding that an orderly departure was important to launch future ties on a good footing.
League's decision not to back von der Leyen risks isolating Italy: Deputy PM
The decision of Italy's ruling League party not to back Ursula von der Leyen as the next European Commission president risks isolating the country, Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio said on Thursday in the latest sign of coalition friction.
Merkel: Britain will remain partner even if it is no longer EU member
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Britain would remain a partner even if it is no longer a member of the European Union in future, adding that work with British Prime Minister Theresa May's successor would depend on how he approaches the European Commission.
Greece picks Commisssion chief spokesman as its EU Commissioner
Greece nominated the EU Commission's chief spokesman Margaritis Schinas as its next commissioner, the prime minister's office said in a statement on Thursday.
Austria confirms it wants Hahn to remain its European commissioner
Austria confirmed on Thursday that it wants Johannes Hahn, the current European Commissioner for enlargement, to stay on as its member of the next commission, headed by Ursula von der Leyen.
Citing Brexit, Ireland to oppose EU move to scrap spring/autumn time change
Ireland will oppose an EU proposal to stop moving the bloc's clocks forward by an hour in spring and back again in the autumn, as it fears Brexit could otherwise leave the island split into two time zones.
The EU - A Sinking Ship 
