Moscow Protests Italy’s Decision to Block Russian Delegates from PSI Meeting

Russia protested against Italy’s decision to revoke Moscow’s invitation to attend a Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) meeting opening in Rome later on Wednesday.

"We are outraged over the fact that Italy has revoked an invitation it sent to Russia earlier to attend an Expert Group meeting of the Proliferation Security Initiative opening in Rome on October 26. We vehemently protest," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted.

Zakharova indicated that Moscow is a full-fledged member of the Group just like Italy. 

"For years, we have been defending the fundamental principles of not targeting any countries, the inadmissibility of seizing relevant cargoes while adhering to international law and member-countries’ legislative norms," she added.

The Russian diplomat denounced what she called an unfriendly move by Rome as the latest anti-Russian provocation. 

"Having banned our experts from attending the event, Italy grossly violated its authority, completely undermined its credibility, and admitted its reluctance to fulfill its commitments as president or to host multilateral events," the Russian diplomat stated. 

The diplomat also slammed such moves seemingly aimed at isolating Russia as unacceptable and destructive. 

"These are clear proof that the United States and NATO, in general, are seeking to readjust PSI tools in order to solve their own problems with Italy’s hands," she said.

Zakharova warned: "Russia hereby totally and completely distances itself from any understandings or agreements that could be reached by member countries at the Rome event."