French FM says extension of anti-Russian sanctions should be discussed

LUXEMBOURG, June 20. /TASS/. The European Union’s sanctions against Russia will be prolonged by six months, but Paris wants them to be discussed at the EU summit in Brussels due on June 28-29, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said on the sidelines of the EU Council’s meeting underway in Luxembourg.

"Sanctions are to be prolonged by six months, but there must be a discussion to understand that if there is some movement forward. Then a reciprocal step may be taken," he said.

"I would like the forthcoming meeting of the European Council to hold a discussion, because the feasibility of these sanctions will be determined at the level of the heads of state and government. We don’t like automatic prolongation of sanctions, we want a discussion," he said.