EU sanctions against Russia most likely to be extended next week
The European Union expects to see an extension of its sanctions against Russia even though the envoys of EU member countries have postponed discussions on this matter allegedly because of Italy's stance.
An automatic extension of anti-Russian sanctions has always been on agenda, and the sanctions imposed on Russia are expected to be prolonged, a European diplomatic source told Interfax when commenting on this situation.
The source gave an affirmative answer to a question about the possibility of reaching a consensus of all EU member countries on this issue next week.
On Wednesday, the permanent representatives of EU member countries decided to postpone debates on the issue of anti-Russian sanctions.
It was earlier planned that sanctions introduced against Russia would be extended automatically, in other words without any debates on a decision to prolong anti-Russian sanctions for another six months after the existing measures expire in January 2016.
Sources told reporters that the issue of extending the sanctions had been removed from the agenda of the envoys' meeting. They note that this matter could be addressed by the envoys later, or could be submitted to consideration by foreign ministers from EU states on Monday, December 14-15.
The EU Council's session, when the EU leaders meet, is expected to be held on December 17-18.
Observers have noted that the decision not to discuss the sanctions issue was probably adopted under pressure from Italy, which is opposed to an automatic extension of anti-Russian sanctions.