Slutsky calls for unfreezing Russia-France relations
MOSCOW. March 24 (Interfax) - State Duma international affairs committee head Leonid Slutsky has called for turning the 'not so bright' page in Russia-France relations and has drawn attention of Marine Le Pen, National Front leader and French presidential candidate, to the situation the Russian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has found itself in.
"We should pool efforts and turn over the not so bright page in our relations," Slutsky said at a meeting with Le Pen at the State Duma international affairs committee on Friday, while they were discussing the sanctions policy pursued in relation to Russia by a number of European nations, including France.
"Representatives of various parties, a substantial part of the French population, and practically an overwhelming majority of businessmen want a thaw in relations with Russia," he said.
Notably, none of the 500 French companies operating in Russia has left in the recent years, Slutsky said. "Businessmen have even started to expand their presence in Russia and to explore new niches this year," he said.
Moscow is definitely interested in dialogue with the French authorities, he said, adding that communication with the Foreign Ministry and some other agencies, including those dealing with security matters, had lately left much to be desired.
Slutsky told Le Pen about the situation the Russian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) found itself in after it had been deprived of some key rights over the Crimea and Ukraine situation.
Slutsky said it was a 'twisted' situation. "We need the support of the French delegation, which will undergo a major reshuffle after the National Assembly election [in summer of this year]," he said.
Meanwhile, Le Pen left the State Duma building after a series of meetings, having canceled a previously planned press availability. Her further program has not been disclosed.