File:Zakharova Venediktov Heifetz.jpg

Farewell to Israeli ambassador to Russia Zvi Heifetz, recently re-assigned to China. Present: 'Psaki of Moscow' Maria Zakharova, 'shaitan' of Echo of Moscow A. Venediktov, & wonder-woman Tina Kandellaki


 * Profiles
 * Zvi Heifetz. Grandfather (involved in jewish causes in Latvia, hero of Israel) executed by Soviets in Riga; parents expelled to Tomsk, which likely saved them from Nazi death. Family emigrated to Israel when he was 14. Pretty warm recollections of Russia & the people. Non-career diplomat appointed by PM. Policies advocated: non-interference in regional conflicts (including Syria, as well as Russian domestic affairs); close friendship with USA, and a friendship with Russia. (Source: Pozner interview)
 * Maria Zakharova. Education: journalist-internationalist, with a foreign language (Chinese). Experience: after mangled interview (aka 'media product') of the previous Russian foreign minister Igor Ivanov by a Western channel (CNN?), with few seconds of 45 minute interview aired only, and spinned comments by the interviewer , all with a long delay, some changes were introduced. Interviews now additionally filmed by a Russian crew (as a requirement to go ahead); if a foreign agency does not publish it withing agreed time frame, it is published in Russian media. With Lavrov interviews, either  length of clip to be shown is agreed and interview lasts the same time; or a live interview given. (Puchkov interview).