There are signs of a thaw in relations between Russia and Britain, Russia's ambassador in London told the BBC Friday. Yuri Fedotov, who is leaving his London post after five years to become the drug czar of the United Nations (UN), said there were “irritants” in relations that could, however, be removed.
“They're like a minefield – they can explode at any time,” Fedotov said in an interview with the BBC's diplomatic correspondent, Bridget Kendall. However, Moscow was prepared to 'do everything' to repair relations with Britain, even though the ball was firmly in London's court, the envoy insisted.
“We need to think strategically. That is the difference between what we have now and what we had during the Cold War. We are not in opposing trenches. We face the same challenges and threats,” said Fedotov.
In July UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced the appointment of Yuri Fedotov as the new Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). He succeeds Antonio Maria Costa in that position and as Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV).
In a press release, the UN stated that Mr. Fedotov brings a wealth of senior-level experience to his new function, being well-informed regarding issues on the UNODC agenda: rule of law; policy and trend analysis; prevention; treatment and reintegration; and alternative development. UNODC is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime, mandated to assist Member States in their struggles against illicit drugs, crime and terrorism.
