U.S. national security advisor criticizes Russia for Ukraine's coercion
WASHINGTON. Dec 5 (Interfax) - U.S. National Security Advisor Susan Rice has criticized the Russian authorities for what she described as coercion of Ukraine and for human rights abuses.
"We often can cooperate with Russia on nonproliferation, arms control, counterterrorism and other vital interests," Rice said at a human rights conference in Washington.
"But, as we meet these mutual challenges, we don't remain silent about the Russian government's systematic efforts to curtail the actions of Russian civil society, to stigmatize the LGBT community, to coerce neighbors like Ukraine who seek closer integration with Europe, or to stifle human rights in the North Caucasus," Rice said.
"We deplore selective justice and the prosecution of those who protest the corruption and cronyism that is sapping Russia's economic future and limiting its potential to play its full role," she said.
