Australia Ready to Follow EU Lead in Strengthening Sanctions on Russia

© Sputnik / Grigori SysoevAustralian Ambassador to Russia Paul Myler
Australian Ambassador to Russia Paul Myler - Sputnik International
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Australian Ambassador to Russia said that Canberra has no plans to introduce additional sanctions against Russia.

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MOSCOW, (Sputnik) Canberra has no plans to introduce additional sanctions against Russia over its alleged involvement in the Ukrainian crisis, however, it will strengthen them if the European Union decides to do so, Australian Ambassador to Russia Paul Myler told RIA Novosti.

"Australia has no intention of introducing additional sanctions against Russia. That is, of course, if Russia does not take any further steps to escalate the situation," Myler said.

The ambassador explained that in the latter scenario, Australia will adjust its sanctions regime so that it is in line with that of the European Union.

"If the EU introduces additional sanctions, we will adjust the level of our [restrictive measures] accordingly," Myler said, adding that currently, Australia's sanctions against Russia remain the same as before.

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According to the ambassador, Australia hopes that Russia takes action "aimed at cooperation," in which case Canberra could start discussing the cancellation of sanctions with Moscow.

On Monday, EU foreign ministers postponed the implementation of a new round of sanctions against Russia until February 16.

Russia has become the target of several rounds of Western sanctions over Crimea's decision to leave Ukraine and join Russia, and later due to the ongoing unrest in eastern Ukraine, which the West claims Moscow is involved in, although the claims have not been substantiated.

The restrictive measures affect Russia's defense, energy and banking industries.

Australia cannot supply kangaroo meat to Russia, despite the fact that the product does not fall under Moscow's food embargo, Russia Paul Myler told RIA Novosti.

"It is not part of the food ban, but, nevertheless, as of now we cannot supply this meat to Russia," Myler said, explaining that "suppliers could not be approved."

Russia was one of the main consumers of kangaroo meat up until 2009, when a temporary ban on the import of the meat was introduced. Currently, Russia has no restrictions on the import of kangaroo meat, according to the ambassador.

In August 2014, Russia introduced a one-year ban on imports of many food products from the United States, the European Union, Australia, Canada and Norway. The move was a response to western economic sanctions against Moscow, imposed over allegations of Russia's interference in Ukraine's internal conflict, labeled as groundless by the Kremlin.

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