New EU sanctions on Russian Federation

 

 

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 12th September 2014, Nicosia

 

While just yesterday the Minister of Energy, Industry and Tourism. Mr. Lakkotrypis had claimed in the House of Representatives that the government would not consent to the imposition of sanctions by the European Union on Russia, it has already been announced that as from today the new wave of punitive measures will be applied, which the government has obviously agreed to at a EU level. This is a mess of misunderstandings, but above all a mess characterised by deception.

The government shouldn’t conceal matters any more, but reveal the truth, namely that:

1. Although a fragile ceasefire agreement between Ukraine and the separatists has been signed, the European Union is increasing with vengeance economic sanctions against Russia, with the consent of the government which has fully conformed to the geo-strategic interests of the powerful states of the EU and NATO.

2. The sanctions, which are increasing, will affect even more strongly the Cyprus economy, while the possibility of a continuation of Russian retaliatory measures should also not be ruled out, as was the case with the embargo on food and agricultural products of EU origin.

3. Cyprus’ foreign policy, which the Anastasiades Government from the outset announced would be in line with the doctrine of “We belong to the West” with even the prospect of accession to NATO, is harming Cyprus’ interests, whilst it aligns itself with a vindictive policy that is not based on the principles of International Law and which threatens to deal a fatal blow to any prospects for peace in the region.