Qasim pointed out, during an intervention on ‘Sputnik’ radio, the ‘double standards through suppressing opposition in one place and supporting it in another, depending on the proximity or distance of governments from Russia. The suppression or incitement of demonstrations is the best evidence of this.’ He noted that ‘the confrontation with Russia has become the primary criterion in the judgment of these countries, regardless of whether those regimes are repressive or not. The most important thing for the West is opposing Russia, not respecting the principles of democracy and freedom.’ He considered that ‘all the laws and requirements for joining the European Union fall by the wayside in the face of confronting Russia.’ Qasim explained that ‘the conflicts are not only political but also carry a religious dimension aimed at deepening divisions among peoples, putting them on a dangerous path whether in politics or the military field.’ Qasim warned of ‘the danger of deepening European policies to consolidate the rule of dominant and capitalist powers that control the fate of poor countries according to their interests, regardless of any democratic standards or election results.’
