1 Jul 2014 16:20

Russia not interested in bystander role in int'l affairs formats - Putin

MOSCOW. July 1 (Interfax) - Russia is not interested in participating in international formats, where it is given a bystander's role, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"As to different international formats - if we are given the role of bystanders, who do not have a final say on key issues, which are of vital interest for us. Then these formats are not interesting for us," Putin said when at a meeting of ambassadors and Russian permanent representatives.

"We should not pay with our vital interest just for the fact that we are allowed to sit nearby and not participate. And I hope that this is evident and, eventually, it should become understandable for our partners," Putin said.