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RIA Novosti
The decision of the authorities of the European Union to extend sanctions against Russia were expected, said in an interview with “Tape.ru” the first Deputy Chairman of the Duma Committee on international Affairs Dmitry Novikov on Monday, March 13.
“The sanctions imposed lightly, for a long time. This is not surprising,” — said the MP, commenting on the extension of restrictive measures by the EU.
He also drew attention to the repeated extension of sanctions by the Europeans. “The EU remains true to its position”, — said the Deputy.
Earlier on Monday, the EU Council announced the extension of the EU sanctions that were imposed against the citizens of Russia and Ukraine. The restrictions will continue to operate for another six months — until September 15. It is noted that the decision was made due to “actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine”.
Fall under the restrictions of 150 individuals including politicians, military, businessmen, representatives of the Donetsk and Luhansk self-proclaimed republics, and 37 organizations. Sanctions against them were first imposed in March 2014.
At the same time continuing the sanctions against financial, energy and defense sectors of the Russian economy (up to 31 July 2017). In addition, there are imposed by Brussels restrictive measures against the Crimea (extended until 23 June 2017).