11 Jan 2017 15:00

Moscow has not changed sharply negative stance on U.S. Magnitsky Act

MOSCOW. Jan 11 (Interfax) - Russia's position on the Magnitsky Act remains invariable, prospects for its repeal are unclear, the Russian Foreign Ministry's commissioner for human rights, democracy and rule of law Konstantin Dolgov said.

"Let us not second-guess," Dolgov told journalists on Wednesday, when asked whether there are prospects of the new U.S. administration repealing the Magnitsky Act.

"Our principled position with regard to both the Magnitsky Act and all steps that were undertaken by the outgoing administration on the basis of this Act - it remains, this position is well-known with regard to this absolutely unsubstantiated, unlawful and politicized initiative," the Russian diplomat said.