Anti-Russian sanctions to expire in July, Italy calls for their cancellation 'at the earliest possible moment'
"I sincerely hope that we will come to canceling [anti-Russian] sanctions as soon as possible, and that economic partnership between Europe and Russia, as well as Italy and Russia will continue to grow," Pier Carlo Padoan said, answering a RIA Novosti question at a press briefing in Rome.
He stressed that many European and Italian businesses operate in Russia, with some of them experiencing a decrease in productivity, and some even having to close.
"That is why, it is obviously in the common interests of Europe and Italy to normalize relations with Russia," the minister said.
The European Union, alongside the Unites States and a few other countries, imposed in 2014 economic sanctions against Russia over its alleged involvement in the Ukrainian crisis. The sanctions targeted Russian defense, energy and banking resources.
Moscow has repeatedly denied the accusations, and in response introduced in August 2014 a one-year ban on imports of certain food products from the states that established restrictions.
Western sanctions against Moscow are set to expire in July. In March, EU leaders decided to keep the sanctions in place until a February ceasefire in Ukraine is fully implemented.
Comment: At this point a "healthy" relationship with Russia is looking like a lot of wishful thinking. The EU has proven that it cannot be trusted, France won't deliver battleships, there's constant fear-mongering over "Russian aggression", and Ukraine is in ashes. There will be no full implementation of a ceasefire in Nazi-run Ukraine. However, canceling sanctions would be a step in the right direction, if there is an independent will still left in the EU 'leadership'. Also see:
- Being a US vassal state is expensive: France to pay 1.1 bn to Russia for cancelled Mistral ships
- Russian response to new sanctions: EU has effectively made a choice against the peace process in Ukraine, Russia has no other choice but counter measures
- The ties that bind: US training Nazis along with a media full of cover stories
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