Italy opposes EU sanctions against Russia

(Baonghean.vn) - EU leaders on October 21 condemned Russia's bombing of civilians in Aleppo. However, the EU has yet to reach a consensus because Italy refused to impose new sanctions on Moscow.

Russia will do everything to help Syria regain Aleppo. Photo: Internet.

During a recent nine-hour EU leaders’ dialogue in Brussels, Germany, Britain and France wanted to increase pressure on Moscow to end its airstrikes on Aleppo. Contrary to the views of the three leaders, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said economic sanctions should not be part of the strategy as they could not force Moscow to the negotiating table.

“We should do everything to establish peace in Syria, but it will be difficult to attach more sanctions to Russia,” Mr. Renzi said.

Increasing pressure on Russia through sanctions is dividing the EU, especially when Italy does not want to apply them, because of its close trade relations with Russia. Meanwhile, French President Francois Hollande said that applying sanctions is necessary.

“Options remain as long as the peace agreement cannot be implemented and the city remains in conflict,” Mr Hollande said of Aleppo, where 275,000 people remain trapped.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel similarly condemned the air strikes on Aleppo as “absolutely inhumane” and said she would do everything possible to stop the conflict. She said sanctions remained an option. “If the intensity of the strikes continues, that will be a reason to think about what to do next.”

Shortly after being condemned, Russia also responded to its actions. Moscow said it would extend the ceasefire in Aleppo to 11 hours a day for four days, a move that eased tensions from the EU.

Nhat Minh

(According to Dailymail)