Moscow interested in strategic dialog with EU: Russian official
The Russian ambassador to the European Union (EU) says Moscow still wants to continue strategic dialog with the bloc despite the two sides’ disagreements over the conflict in Ukraine.
"Russia remains interested in continuing the strategic dialog with the EU and remains geographically, historically and culturally connected with Europe,” said Vladimir Chizhov on Monday.
“Cooperation continues in various directions; our interests are similar on the Middle East settlement, fighting terrorism, countering drug trade and non-proliferation of mass destruction weapons. However, most of this work is blocked today," the Russian diplomat added.
Chizhov also urged the EU officials to lift the bloc's sanctions against Moscow, saying the bans would not help solve Ukraine’s crisis.
"The EU sanctions do not favor settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, they ruin the relations between Russia and the European Union, [and] undermine the EU image of mediator in settlement of the conflict," he pointed out.
Russia has been hit with a series of sanctions by the US and the European Union, which accuse Moscow of supporting pro-Russia forces in eastern Ukraine. Russia categorically denies the allegation.
The two mainly Russian-speaking regions of Donetsk and Lugansk in eastern Ukraine have been the scene of deadly clashes between pro-Russia protesters and the Ukrainian army since Kiev’s military operation started in mid-April 2014 in a bid to crush the protests.
Violence intensified in May 2014 after the two flashpoint regions held local referendums in which their residents voted overwhelmingly in favor of independence from Ukraine and joining the Russian Federation.
FNR/HMV/SS
Related Stories
EU furthering US agenda in Ukraine Mon Feb 2, 2015
EU must change Russia policy: Greece Sun Feb 1, 2015
EU threatens Russia with more bans Tue Jan 27, 2015
Russia: Poland’s talks on hosting US nuclear weapons ‘dangerous’
Russia says weighs downgrading ties with US if assets are seized
'US secretly sent long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine in recent weeks'
It could take 14 years to remove debris left by Israel war on Gaza: UN
Iran, China discuss military cooperation
Sanders to Netanyahu: 'Don’t insult American people’s intelligence'
Tehran economic conference: Raeisi hails Iran-Africa expansion of ties
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
Severe heat wave hits India as phase 2 of polling begins
What to expect after President Raeisi's visit to Pakistan
China describes Iran as ‘strategic partner' in West Asia
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
