OREANDA-NEWS. Relations between Russia and the Czech Republic are going through hard times, and the scandal surrounding the dismantling of the monument to Marshal Konev in Prague complicated them.

This was stated in an interview with the Russian media by the Czech Foreign Minister Tomas Petržicek. At the same time, he expressed the hope that Moscow and Prague will establish a closer and mutually beneficial dialogue. “Our citizens pay me to deal with the future of the country and build mutually beneficial relations with Russia, and not to raise old disputes. Moreover, as they say, two are needed for tango, and without reciprocity on the part of Russia it will be difficult to develop a dialogue”, the minister said.

The Czech Foreign Minister expressed his readiness to begin negotiations on the transfer of the sculpture to Moscow. “Such negotiations are not currently underway, but in accordance with the 1993 Friendship Treaty, we are ready for consultations on how to resolve this issue. In any case, the possible movement of the statue to Russia should be our decision”, he said.