Lavrov slams US bill to stop Russian 'malign' activities as colonial

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
18 Jan 20:50
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The South African Foreign Minister says the bill needs to be discarded because it violates international law.

Malians hold a photograph with an image of Colonel Assimi Goita, leader of Mali's military junta, and Russia's flag during a pro-Malian Armed Forces (FAMA) demonstration in Bamako, Mali, May 28, 2021 (Reuters)

In his annual press conference, Russian FM Sergey Lavrov condemned the recent US bill to counteract Russian bilateralism with African countries, considering that it reflects a colonial mentality on part of the US.

South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor told Sputnik that the US bill seeking to counter Russia's "malign" activities on the continent needs to be discarded because it violates international law.

Lavrov said, "My assessment of this law is the same as that of the minister of South Africa... I have no doubt that deep down inside, even [among] those who do not comment on this kind of American provocation, there is still a deep conviction that this law harms, above all, Africans... They are not considered equal - it is purely a colonial mentality in a new dimension."

He also added that even if this bill was adopted, it wouldn't curb the strong relations between Russia and African countries. Lavrov also pointed out the US hypocrisy in demanding that countries stop trading with Russia and China while urging them to trade with the US for the sake of becoming more democratic.

The bill was introduced in Congress back in April at the request of Gregory Meeks. It was approved by the house but it's yet to be voted on by the Senate. If enacted, this bill would entitle the Secretary of State to come up with a strategy to counteract Russian influence in Africa that would include the imposition of sanctions against African governments and officials if they act against the wishes of the US.