Indonesian officials say the Russian foreign minister has been examined in a hospital but says he is healthy. Russia denies it and talks about a “political game” – and shows itself in a T-shirt and shorts.
What exactly happened after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Bali on Sunday is still unclear. Reports that he was examined in a hospital were not confirmed by the Russian side – but by the Indonesian hosts. The G-20 summit of the world’s largest economies is taking place in Bali.
After the Associated Press news agency reported on Lavrov’s alleged hospitalization, Russia immediately denied it. “We are here with Sergey Viktorovich in Indonesia and we read the ticker and we cannot believe our eyes,” said ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova in Nusa Dua on the island of Bali on Monday. This is now the highest form of fakes, she said. The Russian statements were borne out by a video showing Lavrov in unusually casual clothes – a T-shirt and shorts – on the terrace of his alleged accommodation.
The news about his hospitalization is a “political game”. And he asked Western reporters to report only the truth. “Well, they’ve been writing for about ten years that our president is sick,” Lavrov said on camera. “It’s a game that’s not new to politics.”
Indonesian hosts report ‘investigation’
The Indonesian hosts described the situation differently – albeit without any drama. Lavrov was examined at a hospital in Bali, but is doing well. The 72-year-old was examined for the first time in hospital after his arrival in Bali on Sunday, Indonesian Health Ministry spokesman Sunarto said. On Monday morning he was examined again and “thank God he is healthy”. He was taken to Sanglah Hospital for an “examination” and “returned immediately”, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster previously said.
Lavrov is representing Russian President Vladimir Putin as head of the Russian delegation at the G-20 summit in Bali on Tuesday and Wednesday. The chancellor wants to deliver a speech at the G-20 summit of the major industrialized nations tomorrow, Tuesday.
Sergey Lavrov arrived in Bali on Sunday night local time. Portal(APA/Portal/Red.)