Foreign Affairs
In reply to the discussion: Turning Point in Ukraine Fails To Materialise [View all]bemildred
(90,061 posts)---
"In view of the existing situation
we argue that these sanctions should come into effect now. I hope that this will be decided soon," she told German lawmakers, though emphasizing that the sanctions could be removed at any time. "I would add that, if the 12 points are really fulfilled sustainably, we will be the first to lift the new sanctions."
Merkel said sanctions were not an end in themselves. "They are always only imposed when they are unavoidable."
The EU earlier this week adopted the fresh sanctions against Russia, which Ukraine and the EU say has been stoking violence in eastern Ukraine by sending troops and weapons to separatists - something Moscow has denied.
Those sanctions include tightening access to capital markets for Russian oil and defense companies, as well as travel bans and asset freezes for more individuals considered by the EU to be responsible for fuelling the months-long conflict.
http://www.dw.de/germanys-merkel-pushes-for-implementation-of-russia-sanctions/a-17912526?maca=en-rss-en-eu-2092-rdf