Choice of words

Having read your editorial (9 April) that was critical of George Robertson’s choice of words in his speech to the Brookings Institution, I can not help but wonder why in your turn you tend not to choose words while describing Russian involvement in such paramount issues as crisis in Ukraine and Syria, developments in Eastern Europe.

Far from siding with former secretary general in a purely domestic dispute, I firmly believe that a careful and respectful choice of words is what distinguishes an intelligent discussion on highly sensitive matters from an over-simplistic and offensive approach that certainly is not helpful in any debate.

Arguing in favour of “proportionate” words in one case while using disproportionate language in others would inevitably lead to double standards and create wrong mind-sets.

ANdrey A Pritsepov

Consulate General of the Russian Federation in
Edinburgh

Melville Street

Edinburgh