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EU considers sanctions on Russia

by Dave Keating | August 28, 2008 at 04:10 am

202 views | 12 Recommendations | 4 comments

French foreign minister Bernard Kouchner said today that the EU is considering sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Georgia. As Russia faces growing isolation from the West, Russian president Dmitri Medvedev is reportedly seeking support from Russia's Asian neighbors. He's currently at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tajikistan, and it is understood that he is pressing the former SSRs of Central Asia to publicly support Russia's actions.

EU leaders are considering sanctions "and many other means" against Russia over the crisis in Georgia, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said.

He gave no further details but added "this will be solved by negotiation".

Moscow's military offensive in Georgia and its recognition of independence for Georgia's breakaway enclaves has been condemned by the West.

But Russia's president says he has the support of China and four central Asian states for its actions in Georgia.

Speaking at a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said the grouping's united position would have "international resonance".

"I hope it will serve as a serious signal to those who try to turn black into white and justify this aggression," he said in the Tajik capital, Dushanbe.

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Barry Artiste

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 05:57 on August 28th, 2008

Dave Keating, I like this story. It's good stuff.

Paschen

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 06:15 on August 28th, 2008

Dave Keating, I like this story. It's good stuff.

Will not work and is ridiculous in my humble opinion.

Dave Keating

at 08:35 on August 28th, 2008

UPDATE: Russia's Asian neighbors have rebuffed please to back Russia in the Georgia conflict.

China and several Central Asian nations rebuffed Russia's hopes of international support for its actions in Georgia, issuing a statement Thursday denouncing the use of force and calling for respect for every country's territorial integrity.

A joint declaration from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization also offered some support for Russia's "active role in promoting peace" following a cease-fire, but overall it appeared to increase Moscow's international isolation.