Russia warns against EU sanctions

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Source: CCTV.com | 08-30-2008 08:58

Russia says the European Union should not disrupt growing cooperation with Moscow by imposing sanctions over the Georgian crisis. The Foreign Ministry warns sanctions could seriously complicate political and military relations, and damage stability in Europe. The remarks came days ahead of an EU meeting to discuss the fighting between Russia and Georgia.

Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesman said EU sanctions against Russia will not benefit bilateral relations.

Andrei Nesterenko, spokesman of Russian Foreign Ministry, said, "On the eve of the EU summit we keep hearing calls to punish Russia, to introduce sanctions against it or even to create an anti-Russian coalition. We hope that reason will prevail over emotions, that the leaders of EU countries will find strength to give up the one-sided assessment of the conflict and give an independent and objective interpretation of the situation and the reasons for it."

The EU has appeared split over how strongly the bloc should react to Moscow's action. It has strong economic ties with Russia and depends on it for energy supplies.

Russia's foreign ministry spokesman said the EU is being pushed towards confrontation with Moscow by some countries.

The UN Security Council concluded its sixth emergency session over the conflict in Georgia on Thursday. But after fierce debates no compromise was reached.

The Council refused to approve a request from representatives of two Georgian breakaway regions -- South Ossetia and Abkhazia -- to address the council.

In recent months Russia has repeatedly asked the council to allow representatives of the two regions to speak to the Security Council.

The Security Council's current president, Belgium's UN Ambassador Jan Grauls, said the council will continue to discuss the participation of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Editor:Si Qintu