Lavrov: we have singed our wings enough in relations with US

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said during an interview to Russian radio stations Sputnik, Ekho Moskvy and Govorit Moskva that in relations with the US, Russia should adhere to the 'trust, but verify' principle.

We have singed our wings enough in different illusions in relations with the United States, he believes. "Reagan said: 'trust, but verify'. Now, in my opinion, is a time when you just need to check to understand whether can you trust or not. Check and trust - I would say," Lavrov said.

According to Lavrov, it will be most important for a future US administration to build a pragmatic relationship with the rest of the world.

"If Hillary Clinton is elected the United States’ new president, we will perceive her as a leader," Lavrov said, noting that her recent biased statements addressed to the Russian leadership were "not the sole statement that does no credit to Western leaders." "One can quote a lot of other examples," Lavrov said.

"There is a theory that it is far easier to come to terms with the Republicans, because they are harsher and in the final count it is easier for them to make decisions," Lavrov noted. "I do not share such theories. There are good examples of cooperating with both Democrat and Republican presidents. It is most important for these people to build relations with the outside world in a pragmatic way and avoid getting back to the long-gone ways and dictating decisions to one and all. Only the course of life will show who is more democratic," TASS cited him as saying.