Russian, Maltese diplomats discuss crisis in OSCE

MOSCOW. Jan 17 (Interfax) - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko and Carmelo Inguanez, who has again been appointed Maltese ambassador to Russia and has given copies of his credentials, have discussed the crisis situation in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

"The crisis in the Organization was assessed with regard for the transfer to Malta of the functions of OSCE Chairpersonship from January 1. It was encouraged to be guided in this post by the fundamental rule of consensus and the principle of indivisibility of security for the purpose of taking the OSCE out of this crisis," according to a report published on the Russian Foreign Ministry's website.

"During the meeting, the sides discussed the current state of Russian-Maltese relations, which are now going through a serious crisis amid the general deterioration of relations between Russia and the 'collective West.' Some of the most relevant issues relating to bilateral dialogue and the international agenda were addressed," the ministry said.

The meeting also addressed some global and regional issues, it said.