French MPs raise voice against renewing Russian Sanctions

French MPs raise voice against renewing Russian Sanctions

PARIS: (APP): French MPs raise voice against renewing Russian Sanctions.

 

The French parliament on Thursday adopted a resolution urging the government not to back the extension of sanctions against Russia over the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

 

Thierry Mariani, a lawmaker with the conservative Republicans party, said that two years after the conflict began between Kiev and Moscow-backed separatists, the EU sanctions had proved "totally ineffective."

 

"The Minsk (peace) accords are deadlocked, the ceasefire is merrily flouted by both sides" and promised reforms had yet to see the light, said Mariani, who sponsored the resolution.

 

He added that the measures were "dangerous for our economy", giving as examples the cancellation of the sale of two Mistral warships to Russia over the crisis and the blow to French farmers from the food import ban implemented by Moscow in retaliation for Western sanctions.