Russian FM sees end of Wstern dominance in economy, politics

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday slammed the West for trying to maintain its global dominance by heavy-handed tactics, saying Western dominance in world economy and politics is actually coming to an end.

"We are witnessing the end of a very long era of dominance of the historic West dominance in economy and politics," Lavrov said at the Terra Scientia International Youth Forum held in Dvoriki in the Vladimir region, east of Moscow.

The era, which has lasted for centuries, has entered into the objective contradictions with the newly formed centers of power in the Asia-Pacific region, he said, adding that a polycentric world is being formed, although the process is going to take quite a long time.

Lavrov said the West has been trying to maintain its dominance by artificially exercising pressure on other countries, using sanctions and military forces, as well as violating the international law and the UN Charter, thus contributing to the chaos in international relations.

Meanwhile, the top Russian diplomat said Russia was ready to restore dialogue with the West, particularly with the United States, as soon as it saw the willingness from the opposite side.

"When we receive an offer to begin, even gradually, restoring the former channels and mechanisms of interaction and dialogue that have been frozen by our American partners, I am certain that we will agree to restore these channels," he said.

Lavrov added that Moscow has been following the U.S. presidential campaign, but Moscow did not expect many changes in Washington's policy irrespective of the election results.

"Since the Soviet times, there has been an opinion that it is easier for Russia to deal with a Republican president than with a Democratic one, but frankly, I do not see a major difference," he said. Endi