Perhaps the most consequential negotiation in Sochi was between the United Nations and Russia. On Tuesday, the issue was finessed, with the Sochi delegates proposing a list of committee members that can be approved only in Geneva. (The United Nations, Russia and others have all called for a new constitution.) (United Nations principles call for reforms to make them abide by human rights and rule of law.) “In Russia,” Mr. Lavrov replied, “it’s polite to say please first.”

Source: New York Times January 31, 2018 01:07 UTC