Lithuania adopted resolution for EU to extend sanctions against Russia
Delfi has reported that the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania has adopted a resolution which calls on the EU to extend sanctions against the Russian Federation until the Minsk Agreements have been fully implemented.
A total of 105 members of Parliament voted in favor of the resolution, none voted against it and one member abstained.
According to the Lithuanian Parliament, any attempt to ease or lift sanctions against the Russian Federation would encourage the aggressive policy of the country and threaten the security of Ukraine, Lithuania and the whole of Europe.
When introducing the draft resolution, one of its authors and a conservator, Laurynas Kasčiūnas, noted that the Council of the Heads of the European Union will consider the issue on the extension of the sanctions.
There are currently calls in Europe to review the policy of sanctions. “The aggression hasn’t disappeared. In fact, we continue to live in the context of the frozen conflict,” Kasčiūnas stated.
He added that the Ukrainian issue is constantly being removed from the international agenda. He also stated that Russia is striving to get an informal veto right to vote against the expansion of the EU to the East.
The resolution also mentions that the Seimas of Lithuania supports Ukraine’s pursuit to strengthen its political relations and its economic integration with the EU, and to become a member of the European Union in the future. Lithuania also supports the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
The authors of the document have called on Ukraine to fight against corruption more resolutely, and also to continue the development of democracy, legal state- and other reforms necessary for the modernization of the country.