The European Union has wisely linked the lifting of sanctions against Russia with the full implementation of the Minsk agreements, but in the interests of the EU and Ukraine to maintain dialogue with Moscow, said the head of European diplomacy Federica Mogherini.
"I think the decision taken by the heads of States and governments in March, is to link our relations with Russia and the withdrawal of sentences with full implementation of the Minsk agreements - a very important and wise. Because because it at the same time was a response to immediate danger and feels faced by the Ukrainian people, and (help you determine) the relationship that Russia can develop with Europe and with the rest of the world, " said Mogherini, speaking at the Symposium in Italy.
However, she said that the EU needs a dialogue with Russia, RIA " Novosti "." When rigidity in observance of international principles is to not remove the punishment, as long as the Minsk agreement will not be made - we must also be clear that it is in our interest and in the interest of Ukraine to have a powerful open channel of dialogue and negotiations with Russia ", - said the diplomat. Mogherini said that the EU " has restarted two elements that have the ability to be the best contribution of the EU in the resolution of the fall - trilateral dialogues the EU, Ukraine and Russia on gas and on the implementation of the trade agreement." I see a very clear role of the EU, which is recognized by the Minsk agreement, equally, to exchange views, information and anticipate difficulties before they will be on the table, with Russia ", - said the head of EU diplomacy. On Tuesday, the European Parliament's Committee on international relations blessed the draft decision calling for sanctions against Russia in case of failure of the Minsk agreements, and agreed to bring the document to valaisiana Assembly in June. Before in the same day, the Minister for foreign Affairs of Austria Sebastian Kurz said that the European Union States links the future of sanctions against Russia with the progress of the Minsk agreements on Ukraine. In response to this, the head of the Ministry of foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation S. V. Lavrov, the penalties are not Russia's decision, for this reason, any criteria for lifting them with the EU will not be discussed. For its part, the permanent Commissioner of Russia to the EU Vladimir Chizhov said that Moscow is not engaged in dialogues with the European Union on the abolition of punishment, it is the decision of the countries of Europe make their own.

sections: Politics