Russia backs Saudi Arabia

Dubai : Russia sided with Saudi Arabia in the ongoing diplomatic rift with Canada yesterday, issuing a statement accusing the latter of attempting to “politicize human rights issues.” The statement said Russia rejected the “authoritative tone” of Canada toward Saudi Arabia, adding that the Kingdom had the full sovereign right to manage its own affairs.

“We consistently and firmly advocate compliance with universal human rights with due regard for the specific national customs and traditions that developed in a given country over a long period of time. We have always said that the politicization of human rights matters is unacceptable,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement posted on the ministry’s website. She added Russia believed the Kingdom had entered a path toward large-scale socioeconomic reform.