Merkel and Hollande: Violator of Minsk agreements to face new sanctions

Sanctions against Russia could be stepped up.

It has been said by French President François Hollande during the joint press-conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Ukrainskaya Pravda informs with a reference to Les Echos.

“Sanctions will be used against any country which would not keep to Minsk agreements on Ukraine,” he noted.

As said by Hollande, what is meant here is primarily “ceasefire, which had been violated many times, and which is to be observed strictly now, withdrawal of heavy weapons and release of prisoners.”

“We are going to continue work on effectiveness of Minsk agreements,” he said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has also stated that she does not exclude an option of considering new sanctions against Russia. She specified that the new sanctions against Russia are not a goal. It’s just an option in case of violation of Minsk agreements, Gazeta.ru informs.

The Chancellor has also added that the European Union “can raise the question of sanctions” if it becomes necessary.

“We are even more convinced that Minsk agreements are to be implemented,” the both leaders said.

On February 16 the European Union extended sanctions against Russia in connection with the situation in Ukraine. 19 natural persons and 9 legal entities were put on the sanctions list.

Photo: Reuters