The European Union is ready to reconsider their intentions next week to impose new sanctions against Russia if the truce between the Ukrainian authorities and the pro-Russian separatists will be respected, said European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, in an interview with the Flemish television VRT.
“Russia hardly agrees to serious negotiations. ceasefire – an important step, but it is only a step – said Van Rompuy. – If the cease-fire will last, or will lead to peace talks, we are ready to review the sanctions”.
The new round of sanctions was agreed in Brussels on Friday. It extends the range of individuals and companies against which were introduced visa restrictions and freezing of accounts, as well as complicate Russian companies’ access to global markets in the energy and defense sectors.
Russia promised symmetrical response if these sanctions will come effect. However, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said in an interview with the newspaper “Vedomosti” that if the West refuses all previously imposed sanctions, Moscow will lift the ban on the importation of goods.
To the east of Ukraine there are reports of shelling positions of Ukrainian troops despite entered into force on 5 September armistice agreement. According to Van Rompuy, it is premature to draw conclusions about its success or failure.
“You have to wait to see if these incidents continue, or is it an exception”, – he added.
No comments:
Post a Comment