The building of the Russian Embassy in Washington. File photoWASHINGTON, Jun 4 The Russian embassy in the United States dismissed State Department accusations of «systematic and egregious» violations of religious rights in Russia and said tolerance is «in the blood of Russians.» Traditional reproaches included in The embassy called the annual report on freedom of religion in the world «an unceremonious labeling of objectionable countries in order to get a pretext for interfering in their internal affairs.» It is in the blood of Russians to build mutually respectful and tolerant relations with representatives of various ethnic groups and religions. Protecting the rights of believers is our absolute priority. We have no religious persecution,” the statement said.
The Embassy accused the United States of provoking sectarian tension in the countries of the Middle East, North Africa, the former Yugoslavia in order to please its geopolitical interests. «Such actions have always led to conflicts and numerous victims,» the diplomats said.