Zimpapers Logo

ATHENS — Greece has urged the European Union to halt its “spasmodic” measures against Russia as the new Greek government has refused to approve an EU statement threatening fresh sanctions against Moscow.

“The EU must finally consider what it wants to do with Russia on a long-term basis . . . instead of reacting in a morally direct, correct, but spasmodic fashion,” Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias said in an interview with the semi-official Athens News Agency.

He added that his country cannot sever its “historic” relations with Moscow but “it can play a role to mediate and develop negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

The foreign minister further warned that the EU is triggering more instability in the region with its actions.

EU foreign ministers finished their emergency meeting in Brussels on Thursday after they failed to adopt fresh sanctions against Russia.

Foreign ministers of the 28-nation bloc extended visa bans and asset freezes on a number of Russian and Ukrainian officials until September. The bans were enforced after Western governments accused Russia of annexing Crimea. — Press TV.