Russia ready to carry on cyber security dialogue with U.S., but sticking to 'eye for eye' amid sanctions - deputy minister
VELIKY NOVGOROD. May 21 (Interfax) - Russia will continue dialogue on cyber security and copyright with the United States but maintain the principle of "an eye for an eye" amid the sanctions, Deputy Minister of Communications and Mass Media Alexei Volin said at the Fort Ross Dialogue on Monday.
"I should say again that we want dialogue and cooperation and that we definitely share our American partners' interests in cyber affairs, above all cyber security," Volin said.
He said he had in mind the joint suppression of cybercrime, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, prostitution, child pornography, and terrorism.
"This includes copyright protection. I can tell you that Russia is actively protecting the rights of U.S. companies and blocking pirate websites. Still, our resources are limited. Given that certain companies are implementing sanctions, I am afraid we will be unable to fully protect their interests in Russian territory," Volin said.
Russia has been increasingly dealing with sanctions, embargoes, bans, and other kinds of restrictions, he said.
"Will we start begging? Of course not. First of all, we will be designing our own systems together with those who are ready to collaborate. Second, we will stick to the old 'eye for an eye' principle," Volin said.
Russia is interested in open communication with the world and calls for "non-discriminatory access to the market and the free movement of goods, services, capital, and products," he said.
"Our partners, including Americans, have been declaring these same principles for years. We share these principles - I should say we benefit from them. And we would like everyone in the world to live by these principles," Volin said.