US House Democrats Stress Unity on Anti-Russian Sanctions During Italy Trip

A delegation of US House Democrats stressed the importance of maintaining unity on the anti-Russian sanctions during a visit to Italy earlier this month, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi told reporters on Thursday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — While in Italy, a group of Democratic leaders met with top Italian leaders, including President Sergio Mattarella and Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni.

“We appreciate that they [Europeans] are holding to the sanctions. This is the most important message we deliver: thank you for supporting the sanctions on the ongoing basis,” Pelosi said.

Prior to the EU's renewal of anti-Russian sanctions in June, a number of regions in Italy were urging the government to lift the economic restrictions that were hurting local businesses. The United States and EU first imposed the sanctions on in 2014 following the Crimean referendum to rejoin Russia.