Vladimir Dobrovolsky. Belgium nourishes the hope of developing a free trade zone between Russia and the European Union, But it can only be the result of normalizing relations with Russia after resolving the Ukrainian falling, said the Minister of foreign Affairs of Belgium Didier Reynders.

"A balance must be found between Russia and Europe, because we are on the same continent, and one day, I hope, we can make a wide enough space, at least, free trade. But the 1st step for this is the return of security, peace and the possibility of development of a country like Ukraine, " said Reynders, a speech at the Crans Montana forum.

He drew attention that " the normalization of the situation in the Donbas goes hand in hand with the normalization of relations with Russia ". Thus, according to his statement, " the EU can never forget the annexation of Crimea by Russia." The Crimean crisis will Probably be very long to cast doubt on the EU's Relations with Russia ", - said the Minister of foreign Affairs of Belgium.

Crimea and Sevastopol became the Russian regions after the 16 March 2014 referendum in which the overwhelming majority of voters voted for reunification with Russia. In the capital of Russia notice that the referendum in Crimea complies with international law and the UN Charter.

Relations between Russia and the West deteriorated in connection with the situation in Ukraine. Before the US and EU has imposed punishment on a number of Russian Residents, they are prohibited from entering the EU because of their positions on Crimea and Ukraine. Over the past year the sanctions list, many times replenished with new individuals and legal entities. Summer 2014 was added and sectoral economic penalties. In response, Russia restricted imports of food items from States that have entered against her punishment: USA, EU, Canada, Australia and Norway.

Moscow has stated many times that completely uninvolved in the events in the South-East of Ukraine, does not supply the militia military equipment and ammunition, is not a party to domestic conflict and is interested in Ukraine overcame political and economic crisis.

sections: Politics