Russian Defence Minister says “our bear can do what he pleases” slamming UK counterpart’s statements

BY Libyan Express Feb 23, 2017 - 13:48 Updated: Feb 23, 2017 - 13:56

Sergey Shoygu held talks with a Libyan warlord who opposes country’s the UN-backed government Getty

The Russian Defence Minister, Sergey Shoygu, attacked the UK defence minister, Michael Fallon’s remarks in a speech at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, the Independent wrote on Wednesday.

“What is on [Britain’s] coat of arms, a lion, isn’t it?” he asked, according to a translation by state media, the Independent added.

“There is an old saying: every lion is a cat, but not every cat is a lion. Everyone should deal with their affairs, according to the Independent.

“We do not think that there is an animal in their zoo that can tell a bear what to do.” He was cited by the Independent as saying.

Michael Fallon had criticised talks held between Sergey Shoygu and Libyan eastern commander Khalifa Haftar, warning against Russian interference in Libya.

“We don’t need the bear sticking his paws in,” the Defence Secretary said ahead of the Munich Security Conference last week.

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