EP adopts resolution to impose more sanctions on Russia

By Yusuf Ozcan

STRASBOURG (AA) - The European Parliament (EP) adopted on Tuesday a resolution calling the block to stand ready to adopt further sanctions if Russia “continues to violate international law”.

The resolution "assessing the current state of EU-Russia political relations" was ratified by 402 votes to 163, with 89 abstentions, according to the EP's website.

“New areas of tension between the EU and Russia have arisen since 2015, including Russia’s intervention in Syria, interference in countries such as Libya and the Central African Republic, and continuous aggressive action in Ukraine," the parliament cited members of EP as saying.

The resolution called on the EU to “review its current Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with Russia and limit cooperation to areas of common interest.”

"The time for nice and diplomatic language is over,” rapporteur Sandra Kalniete said.

“There is very little room for any cooperation as long as Russia continues to occupy parts of Ukraine and attacks other European countries.”

Closer ties will “only be possible if Russia fully implements the so-called Minsk agreements to end the war in eastern Ukraine and starts respecting international law,” the resolution said.

According to the EP, members also expressed their concerns about Russia’s “continuous support for authoritarian regimes and countries such as North Korea, Iran, Venezuela, and Syria.”

They also condemned Moscow’s “disinformation campaigns and cyber attacks, aimed at increasing tensions within the EU and its member states,” the parliament said.

* Writing by Nilay Kar Onum