European Parliament urges to investigate Russia role in Ryanair case

BRUSSELS, Jun 10 (PRIME) – The deputies of the European Parliament plan to urge investigation of Russia's possible role in an incident with a Ryanair jet in Belarus and to slap sanctions if the involvement is confirmed, as follows from a document seen by PRIME late on Wednesday.

"A large majority of members backed the firm and united response of the European Council to Belarus and endorsed the swift imposition of sanctions on the regime. Members of the parliament stressed the E.U. must step up its support for and protect civil society, journalists and all those fighting for democracy and fundamental values, inside and outside the Union," the statement read.

The deputies will vote on a draft resolution on Belarus in Thursday. A decision of the European Parliament is a recommendation for the E.U. states, not an obligation.

The officials also plan to urge introduction of personal sanctions against Belarusian officials and plan to start to prepare wider economic sanctions targeting the oil, oil product, potash, steel and timber industries.

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