Russia has refused to attend the informal session of the UN Security Council to discuss human rights and freedom of press in Crimea, Interfax reports.
Russia does not associate the informal talks organized by Lithuania with the UNSC. According to the Russian response letter, such talks have absolutely no relation to responsibilities of the UN Security Council.
The UNSC informal session is organized according to the so-called Arria formula, allowing sides to exchange opinions with members of the UNSC. Russia insists that the formula was made for confidential political talks, not for self-promotion to mass media or NGOs.
