Greece to Act Against Anti-Russian Sanctions But Not Use Veto

© AFP 2023 / LOUISA GOULIAMAKIThe Greek and EU flags flutter in front of the ancient Acropolis hill in Athens
The Greek and EU flags flutter in front of the ancient Acropolis hill in Athens - Sputnik International
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A number of EU states, including Greece, will support the removal of the anti-Russian sanctions at a June EU summit, although Athens will not use its veto power if a decision to prolong the sanctions is taken, opting instead to act in a different way, a diplomatic source in Athens told RIA Novosti.

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ATHENS (Sputnik) — According to the source, Italy, France, Germany and Austria support the removal of the sanctions against Russia and believe it is worth doing so now and not waiting for the results of the presidential elections in the United States.

"There will be no veto. Greece will try to act in a different way… We will look at the atmosphere and spirit of the summit and how other countries act and Greece will proceed from these things," the source said, commenting on a scenario where the European Union decides to prolong the anti-Russia sanctions.

According to the source, many countries in the European Union have connected the removal of sanctions with the implementation of the Minsk Agreements, however, this mood is changing and member states have started to realize that it is Kiev who should implement the deal.

"Kiev has been put under pressure regarding this issue and, in our opinion, it must be increased," the diplomat added.

Relations between Russia and the West declined with the early 2014 Crimean referendum to join Russia and the Ukrainian military offensive against pro-independence militia in the eastern region of Donbas.

Washington and Brussels imposed sanctions against Russian individuals and the Russian defense, energy and banking sectors in July 2014. Russia responded by introducing a year-long food embargo on imports from the United States, the European Union and other countries that targeted Russia, subsequently extending the current embargo until August 5, 2016.

The EU leaders summit is scheduled for June 28-29. Extending the EU economic sanctions against Russia, which are due to expire in July, is likely to be on the summit's agenda.

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