EU countries delay Russia sanctions despite ultimatum

[dipsydoodle]

Source: EUobserver

BRUSSELS - EU countries have opted not to impose extra sanctions on Russia despite the expiry of an ultimatum, citing “positive developments”.

Their ambassadors meeting in Brussels on Tuesday (1 July) put off the decision until next week.

“We asked for the release of hostages and some hostages were released. There are also new talks between the Ukrainian and Russian leaders, together with France and Germany, so we’d like to see what are the next steps along these lines”, one EU diplomat said, referring to the release of four monitors from the OSCE, a multilateral club.

A second EU diplomat noted: “It’s not clear to us whether the situation is acceptable or unacceptable. It’s too fluid to make a decision at this point”.

Read more: http://euobserver.com/foreign/124832

[KoKo]

1. Interesting Isn't It? Although some Reasonable Left Financial Folks

had predicted this.

Will be interesting to see the tug of war between those who Advocate Reform...against the Analysts shouting: "But your 401-K is Back to where it WAS in 2008....So, WHY are you Complaining. ALL IS GOOD!

HA! the DEVIL is in the DETAILS...

Just saying.

[dipsydoodle]

2. French Ambassador: Economic sanctions on Russia aren't on current EU agenda.

MOSCOW. July 2 (Interfax) - The European Union is not considering economic sanctions on Russia so far, French Ambassador in Moscow Jean-Maurice Ripert said.

"A third phase of sanctions is not on the current agenda. Yet the possibility remains," he said in an interview with Interfax.

"No one in Brussels has suggested considering the third phase of sanctions at the European Council sitting," he noted.

Ripert said he hoped the third phase of sanctions on Russia could be avoided.

http://www.interfax.com/newsinf.asp?id=517696