Russia’s Foreign Ministry lashes out at US ambassador

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/russias-foreign-ministry-lashes-out-at-us-ambassador/2012/05/28/gJQAYKbzwU_story.html

Russia’s Foreign Ministry on Monday harshly criticized the U.S. ambassador for his remarks at a meeting with students, accusing him of breaking diplomatic etiquette and misrepresenting Moscow’s foreign policy.

The ministry targeted Michael McFaul for saying that Russia had offered money to the leader of Kyrgyzstan for removing a U.S. base from its soil, saying his description of this and other issues was “deliberately distorted.” The ministry also accused McFaul of misrepresenting Russia’s stance on issues such as the Iranian nuclear standoff and North Korea’s nuclear program.

The ministry’s attack on McFaul follows negative coverage given to him by state-run television stations, which suggested his agenda is to support opposition leaders and promote a “revolution.”

Monday’s ministerial attack on McFaul follows a strong criticism of the U.S. by Vladimir Putin, who won a third presidential term in March’s election. In the run-up to the vote, Putin accused the U.S. of backing massive protests against his 12-year rule.