The Minister for industrial reform, natural factors and energy of Greece Panagiotis Lafazanis saw No contradiction between the strengthening of the relations of Athens with Moscow and the membership of Greece in the EU. Attempts to isolate the Russian Federation in the spirit of a new cold war are Not a wise policy, Lafazanis said in the interview to the British newspaper. The text of the interview was circulated by the press service of the Ministry. "The development of Greek-Russian relations in all fields, and passing on our country pipeline with Russian gas Not only compatible with our country's position in the EU, But the EU itself and member countries are required to have a fundamental form of selection is good and advanced relations with Moscow," Lafazanis said the journalist, who said that the strengthening of relations of Greece with Russia has raised concerns in the EU, and asked, is whether this approach, with the participation of Greece in the EU. According to the Minister, the Development of relations with Russia can bring his homeland important economic and energy benefits, help to get out of a one-sided dependence, will help you greater security and stability in the region." Isolation of Russia in the spirit of a new cold war and punishment against it is hardly a wise policy. Russia is a great country and should actively participate and play an important role in the formation of European architecture ", - said the Minister. on a question on possibility of participation of Greece in the development Bank of the BRICS and the "exorbitant" fee in the Bank, Lafazanis said that Greece has the opportunity and obligation to be one of the first members - Not the founders of the new development Bank of BRICS, which will bring significant economic and political benefits. According to him, the participation of Greece applauded the founding members of the Bank, for example, Russia. "The price that Greece became a partner in the new Bank, very low, because it will Not make any problems even for such a struggling country like ours. I think at the economic forum in St. Petersburg, where there will be a Greek government delegation, the participation of Greece in new development Bank would be able, Perhaps, to somehow approve, " Lafazanis said. Answering the question, what would be better for Greece to stay in the Eurozone or leave it, Lafazanis said that the exit from the Eurozone is Not a choice SYRIZA." But I don't think it would support the destruction of the country and the Greek people in the Eurozone. The third Memorandum of austerity measures will be most devastating for the state. Not SYRIZA and the ruling circles of the Eurozone are obliged to make a choice what they want with Greece, " Lafazanis said. according to his statement, it is clear that the current claims of the creditors do Not have the opportunity to lead to convergence. Western countries since March 2014 several times already imposed penalties because Russia's position on Ukraine. The last case of the use of such practices were the limits imposed in March 2015, when expanded sanctions List of the USA. The list of Russian citizens and organizations who have fallen under the punishment - in the material of the Fins news