Punishment is a sign of weakness, like not even in the " cold war ", said the Federation Council speaker Valentina Matviyenko in connection with an actual failure of the visit of the Russian delegation at the event through the inter-Parliamentary Union in new York. Matvienko and other members of the delegation of Russia took a decision not to participate in the session of the Interparliamentary Union, held from 31 August to 2 September in new York, afterward as the United States issued Matvienko truncated visa. "punishment seems to be a sign of weakness. They only reveal the failures of the policies of the United States is trying to shift on the Russian Federation responsible for the situation in Ukraine ", - reported in a press-service of the Federation Council of the explanation Matvienko. She added that even in the midst of the "cold war" the Soviet Union and the United States maintained contact and communication channels at different levels, as well as among them on the public line. "in those years, as an aspiring politician, I have many times visited the U.S. in the composition of the list of activities of the" Young political leaders ". We lived with American families, and among families of senators. We often spoke to various audiences, where there were heated arguments and discussions. We discussed acute and sometimes awkward questions. But We could and wanted to listen and hear one another and always parted friends, " said the Federation Council speaker. Matviyenko called " absurd, reminiscent of the middle ages ", the penalties against the parliamentarians, elected by residents of their country, for their political views." what is the meaning of sanctions against parliamentarians who must build bridges of friendship between countries and peoples? Affect their views on their position? But this is impossible, because They defend the wishes of their voters, their political forces. Close your mouth, push? But this is also impossible, because we have enough international and media platforms to tell the truth, to voice my opinion, " said She. According to the speaker, all these years, She keeps a gratitude to their friends the Americans for their kindness and hospitality, with some former senators, It has until now maintained a good relationship." for this reason accepted by the official authorities United States the decision should not be taken as accepted on behalf of the American people, which, I'm sure, want to cooperate, make friends with the Russians want peace and confidence in the future, " she said Matvienko.