Matviyenko describes Trump's promise to punish countries opposing U.S. decision on Jerusalem at UN as 'demonstration of brute force'
MOSCOW. Dec 22 (Interfax) - Threats made by U.S. President Donald Trump against countries backing the UN General Assembly's resolution rejecting recognition of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital are a demonstration of brute force, Federation Council Chairperson Valentina Matviyenko said in an interview with the Rossiya 24 (VGTRK) television channel on Friday.
"The esteemed President of the United States is now threatening economic problems for all countries supporting the resolution denying Jerusalem recognition as the Israeli capital," Matviyenko said.
"States are being threatened. Is it international law? Is it that all countries are equal and free? It is a demonstration of democratic principles? How can they threaten those who refuse to support the United States? This is a demonstration of problems being solved by brute force, rather than on the basis of international law," she said.
Matviyenko expressed regret over the ongoing application of double standards and erosion of international law.
"Russia was aware of the submission of this resolution. Russia did not interfere in that process and did not pressure anyone. Every country has the right to speak its mind. Egypt submitted to the UN General Assembly a resolution, which says that the recognition of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital is inadmissible because it violates every other international resolution. It sets an extremely dangerous precedent, as the issue is addressed by lots of international documents," Matviyenko said.