Italian Council of State President Franco Frattini. Archival photoROME, February 15, by Sergey Startsev.I prefer the policy of dialogue to the policy of sanctions against Russia, Franco Frattini, Chairman of the State Council of Italy, said in an interview with RIA Novosti. «I have always said that I am against a policy based on sanctions, and I prefer a policy based on dialogue. So, before talking about new sanctions against Russia, we need to try to eliminate the causes of these problems,» the well-known European politician emphasized.
The head of the State Council of Italy Frattini called for strengthening the «Normandy format» Speaking about the preparation by the West of new sanctions against the Russian Federation in connection with the situation around Ukraine, Frattini recalled that such measures are an instrument of pressure. «Economic sanctions are an instrument of pressure and, of course, the instrument of pressure works, if there are serious violations. In the event of an escalation with an invasion or serious incidents, this cannot be ruled out,» the source said. At the same time, the head of the Italian State Council noted that it is difficult to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation when the EU countries need Russian gas. Kiev and Western states have recently expressed concern about the alleged increase in «aggressive actions» by Russia near the borders of Ukraine. Moscow has repeatedly denied such accusations, saying that it does not threaten anyone and is not going to attack anyone, and statements about «Russian aggression» are used as an excuse to deploy more NATO military equipment near Russian borders. The Russian Foreign Ministry previously noted that statements The West about «Russian aggression» and the possibility of helping Kiev defend itself against it is both ridiculous and dangerous. Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is moving troops within its territory and at its own discretion. According to him, this does not threaten anyone and should not bother anyone.Read the full text of the interview >>
In Italy explained why it is difficult to impose sanctions against Russia
