13:57 02.02.2016

Groysman, colleagues from Northern Europe states discuss extension of Russia sanctions regime

2 min read
Groysman, colleagues from Northern Europe states discuss extension of Russia sanctions regime

The Verkhovna Rada Speaker Volodymyr Groysman has discussed with his counterparts from the Baltic and Northern Europe states the extension of sanctions against Russia due to its aggressive policy towards Ukraine.

"We discussed a number of issues, which are on the agenda of bilateral relations. I have mentioned the extension of Russia sanctions with regard to the occupation of a part of Ukraine and annexation of Crimea. We have discussed these problems," Ukrainian parliament speaker said during a joint statement with the European counterparts on Monday in Kyiv.

Besides, Groysman noted that during the meeting the parties discussed Ukrainian visa-free regime with the EU, reforms planned in Ukraine for 2016, as well as the plans to reform the parliament.

Lithuanian Seimas Speaker Loreta Grauziniene urged Ukrainian politicians to consolidate efforts when striving for obtaining the visa-free regime with the EU, implement Minsk agreements and to prolong sanctions against Russia.

"Europe needs consolidation of efforts to introduce the visa-free regime, to see how Minsk agreements are implemented, to extend sanctions. And I wish your politicians to be wise while taking decisions," she said at a joint press conference with Groysman.

In her turn, Latvian Seimas Vice-Speaker Inese Libina-Egnere stressed that steps taken by the Ukrainian parliament on the legislative provision of the implementation of the Action Plan on Visa Liberalization demonstrated that the Rada really aimed to ensure the visa-free regime for Ukraine.

"We will further support the territorial integrity of Ukraine and will condemn the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by the Russian Federation," she stressed.

Speaker of the Riksdag of the Swedish Kingdom Urban Ahlin hailed the reforms, which were being carried out in Ukraine, despite aggression in the country's east. "I want to send the message to young politicians and the civil society: put pressure on older politicians, so that they keep on with the reforms," he said.

Speaker of Althing of the Republic of Island Einar Kristinn Gudfinnsson stated the following: "Of course, we would like the situation in the east of Ukraine to get better, but we have heard how Russians violate Minsk agreements and we feel incredibly saddened by this. And we understand that certain measures need to be taken with respect to these issues."

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