Freedom of the press is the main thing for us, the diplomat said on Thursday, addressing students and commenting at their request on the airing of the interview.
He pointed out that the government cannot control the press, since this will violate democratic values and lose its credibility among the population. The ambassador said that their press is free.
He underscored that the British government in no way supports Basayev.
Speaking of democracy in Russia, Mr. Brenton said that Russia is a country with a young democracy and it has many problems in this connection.
At the same time, he stated that Russia is developing democratic values. The ambassador expressed confidence that in the future Russia will have the same kind of democracy and freedom as they.
Speaking of Chechnya, the ambassador said that Britain suggests using Irish experience to settle the situation in the Chechen Republic.
Ten days ago, representatives of Russia and Britain had a meeting, and the British side proposed using the experience of settling the Irish conflict in Chechnya, said Mr. Brenton, adding that in his view British experience could be helpful for Russia.
The UK has very frank cooperation with Russia on Chechnya, the ambassador concluded.
