Attempts to manipulate Magnitsky tragedy will damage Russia-U.S. ties - Russian ambassador
MOSCOW. May 2 (Interfax) - The ban on entry into the United States imposed on Russian citizens on the Magnitsky list, who are reportedly connected to Lawyer Sergei Magnitsky's death in jail, may negatively impact bilateral relations, said Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Sergei Kislyak.
Attempts to use this as an instrument of pressure on Russia will not yield any results, except that this will damage Russian-American relations, he said in an interview with Voice of Russia Radio on Wednesday.
Such moves on the part of the American administration are a vivid manifestation of contempt and disrespect for Russia, he said.
The probe into Magnitsky's death is Russia's internal affair, and it is proceeding in compliance with Russian laws, the Russian ambassador said.
U.S. Department of State spokesperson Victoria Nuland said last week that the U.S. administration supports the adoption of a bill on the Magnitsky List.
There are programs in the United States which allow the application of sanctions against those who are involved in human rights abuses, she said at a press briefing.
