Within the European Union, a growing number of opponents of the extension of sanctions against Russia, said German foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in an interview with Der Tagesspeigel.
“We note that the resistance against the extension of sanctions within the EU is growing and in comparison with last year will be more difficult to find a common position. But despite the fact that it will be difficult, we will have committed to this common position,” – said Steinmeier.
According to the German Minister, major industrialized countries are interested in that Russia is back in the circle of the G8, if they fulfill the Minsk agreement.
“It is in times of crisis are important formats in which we will overcome the universal lawlessness and it is important always to return to the negotiating table. There are no convincing historical examples that isolation would bring us world peace,” he said.
Steinmeier noted that the West has different experiences with Russia: on the one hand, the annexation of the Crimea and destabilization in Eastern Ukraine, contrary to international law. At the same time, Russia has contributed to the success of the negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.
“Who have at least a little bit of realism understands that we need Russia for the resolution of major international hot spots. In Syria it has become self-evident. And I venture to predict, in efforts to stabilize the situation in Libya, we also have to include Russia”, – he added.
Recall that the speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament Andrei Parubiy oppose weakening of anti-Russian sanctions by the EU.
“Any easing of sanctions will only provoke the aggressor to new actions,” – said the speaker of the Parliament.
