EU says not to mull extension of anti-Russian sanctions Dec 12

BRUSSELS, Dec 9 (PRIME) -- The E.U. foreign ministers will not discuss the prolongation of anti-Russian sanctions, which expire in late January, 2017, at a meeting on December 12, a high-ranking E.U. representative told reporters Friday.

“Economic sanctions against Russia are not on the agenda of the E.U. Council on foreign affairs on Monday (December 12). They expire on January 31, there is still time to discuss this issue. A preparatory work is being held,” he said.

Relations between Russia and the West worsened in 2014 due to a military conflict in Ukraine. The West introduced sanctions against some Russian individuals and firms and against oil, gas, and banking sectors. In response, Russia limited food imports from some countries, including the U.S., the E.U., Canada, Australia, and Norway.

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