France rules out quick removal of EU sanctions against Russia
French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian, stated that Paris is against a rapid review of EU sanctions imposed against Russia for its aggression towards Ukraine, Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty reports.
“When there is progress [towards settling the conflict in Ukraine], then we will be able to raise the issue of sanctions, and that is what we will tell Italy,” he stated.
Earlier, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte stated that his government will advocate a review of the current sanctions.
“We will support the policy of openness towards Russia, which plays a significant role in resolution of a number of geopolitical crises in recent years,” Conte stated.
“We will promote the revision of sanctions, insisting on the fact that they pose risks for the development of civil society in Russia.”
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that the review of sanctions against Russia can take place only after it changes its behavior.