Source: All EU countries stand for Russian sanctions rollover

BRUSSELS, Dec 16 (PRIME) -- All E.U. member countries are ready to prolong the sanctions against Russia for six more months, a high-ranking official told reporters Wednesday.

“All the 28 countries believe that the March pacts which establish a clear link between a full implementation of Minsk agreements and sanctions prolongation are still in force,” the source said.

He said that the decision will most likely be made in writing until December 25. “I do not expect any discussion. Why do I say so? Although I can be wrong, I do so because I base my assumptions on negotiations between representatives.”

Last week, Italy blocked a decision of the Committee of Permanent Representatives in the E.U. to approve a draft ruling to prolong the anti-Moscow measures for six more months after the expiration of the current program on December 31, 2016. Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said then that Italy stands for a discussion, dismissing an earlier proposed automatic prolongation.

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