Leonid Slutsky
The state Duma intends to resume working contacts with the European Parliament (EP). This was announced by the Chairman of the Committee of the lower house’s international Affairs Leonid Slutsky after the meeting with the delegation of the EP faction “Europe of Nations and freedoms”, which visited Moscow on the eve. This is stated in the statement, received by the editors”.ru” on Friday, June 23.
According to Slutsky, during the visit to Russia MEPs met with representatives of civil society held talks in the foreign Ministry and the state Duma. In particular, there has been “meaningful discussion” at the meeting headed by the first Vice-speaker of the Duma Ivan Melnikov.
“Our vision for the future of Europe largely coincide. We welcome the constructive attitude of the faction “Europe of Nations and freedom” in interaction and cooperation with Russia”, — said the head of the Committee. He also expressed hope that such visits will become a regular.
On 22 June the President of the European Council Donald Tusk said that the leaders of the member countries of the European Union agreed on the decision to extend economic sanctions against Russia. The motive was the fact that Moscow is “sufficiently complied with the Minsk agreement,” he explained. The final decision on the extension of restrictive measures can be taken before the end of June.
The EU and the United States began to impose sanctions against Moscow since March 2014. Their actions are justified by the accession of Crimea to Russia, and later — and the situation in the East of Ukraine. Restrictive measures have affected, in particular, energy, defense and financial sectors. Was also introduced personal sanctions against several senior Russian officials.