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Lavrov opposes EU unilateral sanctions against Iran and Syria

Minister said unilateral sanctions imposed by the European Union against Iran are not the way partners act
Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS
Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS

MOSCOW, October 8 (Itar-Tass) —— Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said unilateral sanctions imposed by the European Union against Iran are not the way partners act.

“We closely cooperate with the EU on Iran within the ‘5 +1’ group and there was a ministerial meeting at the U.N. General Assembly in New York recently. Prior to that the IAEA adopted a resolution which stressed the importance of conducting negotiations,” Lavrov said at a meeting with members of the Association of European Business in Russia on Monday, October 8.

“The European Union has taken to imposing unilateral sanctions. The United States had this reputation before. But the EU’s reaction is even harsher,” the minister said.

He recalled that three years ago the U.N. Security Council had passed a resolution on Iran that showed a collective approach. However the EU unilaterally took measures that were not provided for in the resolution.

“This is not the way partners act. If we agreed to a collective position, we must adhere to it, not add something new,” he added.

Lavrov also criticised unilateral EU sanctions against Syria. “Back in 2011 Russia initiated the U.N. Security Council’s international reaction to events in Syria,” he recalled.