Lavrov accuses US of using 9/11 aftermath to expand global influence

The United States used the international solidarity that followed the September 11 terrorist attacks not primarily to combat terrorism, but to pursue its geopolitical objectives and expand its global influence, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview with RBC television.

“Relations changed for the worse. First, the United States took advantage of this international solidarity, reflected in a resolution that endorsed its military operation and the creation of an international coalition, not so much to fight terrorism as simply to implement its geopolitical plans and expand its presence and influence,” Lavrov said.

He argued that the same pattern had subsequently emerged in a number of other conflicts.

“Before Afghanistan, there was Yugoslavia — an unprovoked aggression for no reason and the destruction of a state. After Afghanistan came Iraq, where, following the invasion, all the structures of the Ba'ath Party were dismantled,” Lavrov said. “All the army officers — they were all ‘Ba'athists’ — began looking for something to do. And they became involved in creating ISIS.”

“Then there was Libya, which was destroyed. It was probably the most prosperous country. Everything was free, from gasoline to education. For 15 years now, they have been trying to piece it together, and it is unclear when they will succeed,” Lavrov said. “There was Georgia. There was Ukraine, which we have also discussed.”

Lavrov said he viewed these developments as part of an effort by what he called the “unipolar world” to influence the course of history.

“This will continue for a long time. It is an entire era,” he said.

By Tamilla Hasanova