1 Nov 2018 18:14

Russian foreign ministry slams France for discrimination against Russian media outlets

MOSCOW. Nov 1 (Interfax) - Moscow does not exclude the possibility of barring French journalists from state events in response to the discrimination against Russian media outlets in France.

"It seems to us that Le Figaro's refusal to publish the interview with the Russian foreign minister is direct proof that French authorities and society do not want to see any other point of view, on Russia in particular, and are doing everything they can to minimize the possibility of their own audience seeing the Russian point of view on a whole host of issues concerning bilateral relations and the international agenda, all the while trying to accuse representatives from foreign, primarily Russian, media outlets of propaganda," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said.

Russia is disappointed at this approach, which leaves the French with no access to objective information and "discredits the very notion of journalistic ethics," she said.

"In view of the above, I would like to ask the French government press secretary: do you really think French journalists will forever enjoy access to media events at Russia government bodies after such a rude attitude toward Russia and its journalists?" Zakharova said.

Russia's patience is not endless, she said.

"We are ready to discuss problems, we are ready to resolve them on a mutually respectful basis and without accusations not substantiated by facts," Zakharova said.