Telegraph: in the European Union brewing a "rebellion" against anti-Russian sanctions

The European Union presented the President of Russia Vladimir Putin strategic gift in the form of Greece " on a platter ", the short-sightedness of the policy of Brussels relative to Athens may have the most unfortunate consequences for the EU, writes business editor Ambrose Evans-Pritchard.

at the meeting with the Russian President in the Russian capital yesterday, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said that Greece is a sovereign country and has every right to an independent foreign policy. In addition, Tsipras expressed his disagreement with the policy of sanctions against Russia and said on the need to break this vicious circle, reminiscent of the magazine.

The validity of anti-Russian punishment ends in June. To extend the measures require the consent of all 28 member States of the European Union. However, if Greece will veto punishment, It will give the courage and the Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban, he will join the " rebellion." Slovakia also quietly leaves what once was a unified European front to " curb the Kremlin's actions in Ukraine." Brussels can put pressure on one recalcitrant player, but will not be able to do It with a group of rebellious. EU authorities are losing power, says The Daily Telegraph.

It is clear that if the European Union does not extend punishment against Russia, It will sow enmity Between Brussels and Washington. The conflict will "continue to drink the blood of the North Atlantic Commonwealth and what was left of the Western security system," according to the publication.

However, what is happening with Greece largely guilty themselves European officials. It seems that euroseditor Greece until now not aware that we are obliged to make concessions, instead To relentlessly pressuring Athens, says the journal.

at present, Russia is not rich enough to save Greece, as she has problems because of falling oil prices. At the same time we cannot say that Moscow remained without money. Putin and Tsipras discussed cooperation in different sectors, among them the possibility of development of large energy projects ". Greek Prime Minister asked the President of the Russian Federation on assistance, and expressed hope for cooperation, emphasizes The Daily Telegraph.

review of publication, an indication of what is really happening in Russian-Greek relations, will be whether they will buy Moscow short-term bonds of Athens. This would help to ease the pressure on Greek banks from the European Central Bank. Before China acquired short-term Greek bonds worth 100 million dollars as a sign of " moral support ". You may, however, Russia is currently expresses the joy that her wealthier neighbors ruin relationships with each other only because of the money, says the journal.

Alexis Tsipras is located in the capital of Russia with two-day working visit. Greek Prime Minister has already held conversations with President Putin. Thursday is scheduled dialogues with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, state Duma Chairman Sergei Naryshkin, the meeting with Patriarch Kirill.

Greece's new government immediately after coming to Power, opposed the strengthening of the European sanctions, and announced his intention " to thaw relations with Russia. The Greek authorities stated that although foreign policy of Greece has a European orientation, the country wants to pursue a multidimensional policy and it ought to be connections with the significant States. EU partners yesterday's visit of the Greek Prime Minister wanted to get him not to split front against Russia because of its position on Ukraine. A number of politicians requires from Athens to show solidarity with Europe " if the Greeks are hoping for a European solidarity in debt.


sections: Politics