“Something special ... Perhaps there was.
In 1991, I worked as the USSR Ambassador to Malta.
As you remember, in December of that memorable year after the Belovezhskaya agreements, the Soviet Union ceased to exist.
As soon as it became known about this, on the evening of December 8, the same question rained down on me from all sides in different forms: “What state do you represent now, Madam Ambassador?” Said Matvienko.
According to her, “the situation was extremely difficult and nervous”.
"The next day at eight in the morning, I called the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malta, Dr. de Marco, and asked for an urgent meeting," - said the speaker.
She stated that "he replied that a cabinet meeting will begin soon and after it is over, he will be ready to meet."
“I insisted:“ The matter is urgent, does not tolerate delay! ”. Here, apparently, our warm relations affected, which is very important in diplomatic work. The minister agreed. In about twenty minutes I was already in his department. I briefly talked about the situation and moved on to the main thing: it is important for us to get recognition from the Government of Malta as soon as possible about the legal succession of Russia. I think we were lucky then with the date of the meeting of the Government of Malta. Having received comprehensive information, Malta rather quickly - the second state in the world - announced the recognition of Russia as the legal successor of the USSR. When the minister called me and informed me about the decision made by the government, at the end of the conversation he jokingly asked: "Do you have a Russian flag?" My heart was already relieved, and I answered in tone to him: “You offend, Mr. Minister! I embroidered myself all night, ”added Matvienko.
Earlier it was reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin took part in the ceremony of raising the Russian flag in Victory Park on Poklonnaya Hill.